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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the hyaline cartilage lining the bone surface called synovial joints (knee, hip, joints of hands ...). Far from being a static process, osteoarthritis is caused by an imbalance between the mechanisms of regeneration and degeneration of the cartilage.

As a result of a heterogeneous group of factors, is an alteration of chondrocyte metabolism that leads to a thinning of cartilage, bone changes associated with regenerative, which together will determine the clinical manifestations of the disease to be discussed later.

What are its causes?

The main symptom is pain, of insidious onset, deep and poorly localized, which typically increases with movement and improves with rest. As the disease progresses, pain becomes continuous and can occur even at rest. You may receive further aggravated stiffness after rest.

Joint deformities appear throughout the course of the disease as a consequence of increased bone component and physical examination capsular. These deformities are seen as a limitation of mobility, pressure pain, clicking or crepitus of the joint afecta. Radiology in the early stages may be normal, but more typical is to observe a joint space narrowing and bone sclerosis associated with development of marginal osteophytes (bony). There are no specific laboratory abnormalities of osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom is pain, of insidious onset, deep and poorly localized, which typically increases with movement and improves with rest. As the disease progresses, pain becomes continuous and can occur even at rest. You may receive further aggravated stiffness after rest. Joint deformities appear throughout the course of the disease as a consequence of increased bone component and physical examination capsular.A these deformities are seen as a limitation of mobility, pressure pain, clicking or crepitus of the joint afecta.La radiology in the early stages may be normal, but more typical is to observe a joint space narrowing and bone sclerosis associated with development of marginal osteophytes (bony). There are no specific laboratory abnormalities of osteoarthritis.

Who is at risk?

This is the most common joint disease currently on the increase in relation to the aging population. It is estimated to affect between 1 and 2 per cent of the population, predominantly female and a strong association with age. Below 55 years, joint involvement is similar in men and women. Above this age, most frequently damaged joint is the hip in men and joints of the hands in women.

What is the treatment?

The management of osteoarthritis is focused on the treatment of clinical manifestations and to a lesser degree, in its prevention. The possibility of a causal therapy is beginning to have a theoretical basis.

Symptomatic treatment:

The aim should be to relieve pain and prevent the most functional disability on the other hand should be instituted for each patient individually, taking into account different etiological factors in each case (to avoid overloading the joints, control obesity …).

Among non-pharmacological treatment, physiotherapy plays an important role in maintaining muscle strength and joint mobility. You must plan a program of exercises for each patient. As a complement, electrotherapy (shortwave) and thermotherapy (local heat) can help relieve pain. Braces can be useful at certain times of the evolution of the disease to allow a joint rest and prevent further damage as deflections, blocks or falls.

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Tags: Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis Causes, Osteoarthritis Definition, Osteoarthritis Risk, Osteoarthritis Symptoms, Osteoarthritis Treatment