Osteoarthritis

It is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions your joints gradually wears down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in the affected joints.

Risk factors for osteoarthritis:

• Age: Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults, although it can occur at any age.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts extra stress on your joints, increasing your risk of osteoarthritis.
• Family history: Having a family member with osteoarthritis increases your risk of developing it.
• Previous joint injury: Damage to a joint can make it more susceptible to osteoarthritis later in life.
• Repetitive joint use: Overusing a joint, such as through playing sports or certain types of work, can increase your risk of osteoarthritis.

Treatment for osteoarthritis:

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These include:

• Physical therapy: Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve your range of motion.
• Weight loss: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce the stress on your joints and improve your symptoms.

• Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time.
• There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for osteoarthritis. The best treatment for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important for managing osteoarthritis and preventing joint damage.