Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis with the prevalence of people developing it increasing the older they get. In 2005 the estimation was that 27 million Americans age 25 and older had osteoarthritis.
So what exactly is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis occurs in the body’s joints when the cartilage gets worn away. Spurs grow out from the edge of the bone, and synovial fluid, the fluid that lubricates the joint, increases. Altogether, the joint feels stiff and sore.
Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly, starting off as an ache in the joints after physical activity or work before becoming more persistent and long lasting. It may also be noticed as joint stiffness, often experienced first thing in the morning when you get up or if you have been in one position for a long time. The most common joints where osteoarthritis develops are the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
Although osteoarthritis is more common in older people, younger people can develop it – usually as the result of a joint injury, a joint malformation, or a genetic defect in joint cartilage. Both men and women have the disease. Before age 45, more men than women have osteoarthritis; after age 45, it is more common in women. It is also more likely to occur in people who are overweight and in those with jobs that stress particular joints.
As the population ages, the number of people with osteoarthritis will continue to grow. By 2030, 20 percent of Americans – about 72 million people – will have passed their 65th birthday and will be at high risk for the disease.
Weight loss of only 11 pounds can reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis among women by 50%.
Among older adults with knee osteoarthritis, engaging in some from of moderate physical activity at least 3 times per week can reduce the risk of arthritis-related disability by 47%.
Because weight control is an important factor in treating osteoarthritis by easing stress on weight-bearing joints, your diet and eating healthily plays a major role in limiting the effects of injury to the joints and allow increased mobility.
Tags: arthritis