Arthritis is an inevitable part of the aging. It affects 1 in 3 people worldwide.
Age-related arthritis usually starts at about 40 with increasing incidence as
one gets older. The more joints it
affects the more likely it may become disabling and painful. The joints most commonly affected are the
hands and feet followed by weight bearing joints like the hip and knee. The spine is also affected causing low back
pain, one of the top five reasons for doctor visits.
Arthritis, also called degenerative joint disease (DJD), is
just that – degeneration of bone surfaces from years of wear and tear and or
occupational overuse. Over time joint
spaces throughout the body become narrow and less mobile leading to a
progressive decline in affected joints.
The narrowing of the joint spaces involves an inflammatory process. Severe degeneration causes bone surfaces to
rub against one another in places where cartilage and synovium used to be. All
of this can lead to disabling pain and limited movement.
Symptoms of arthritis include stiffness, pain, and joint
swelling. This can lead to decreased,
limited movement affecting your activities of daily living. If arthritis worsens, it can lead to mobility
issues and may require surgery. Chronic,
debilitating pain may also make all activities more difficult and less
enjoyable.
Is this avoidable? No. Is it treatable? Yes. Some
studies postulate that cartilage damage induced by inflammatory arthritis that
chondroitin sulfate may at least delay progression. Antiflammatory medications like aspirin and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help with inflammation and
pain. Further pain contol may be
achieved with narcotics which are potentially addictive. Dietary adjustments include increase calcium
and Vitamin D.
The most beneficial treatment is movement. When it’s hard to
move, efforts to move must be made to keep from moving even less. Ironically so, when you feel like you are
having a hard time moving, it’s time to keep moving! Ask your doctor for an orthopedic doctor
consult and a physical therapy evaluation for treatment. You will be able to implement your own home
exercise program.
Best health!
