OA is the most common form of arthritis. It is one of the major causes of pain and disability in aged people. Here the sponge-like thing- the cartilage in between the joints undergoes wear and tear and there is new bone formation in the joints. Ultimately, there is a remodeling of the contour of the joint.
The important feature is that, there is no inflammation in joints.
The disease nowadays starts even at the age of 30.
80 of the people show radiographic evidence of OA. But 25 to 30% are symptomatic. The knees and hips are mainly affected. Elbow and ankle are also affected but less commonly. Usually, it occurs secondary to some predisposing factors.
The basic lesion is degeneration (wear and tear) in cartilage due to excessive weight or due to a normal weight in damaged cartilage.
The predisposing factors include-
Trauma, fracture, or dislocation
Abnormal shape of the joint like genu valgum and varum.
Due to specific causes that affect the joints- like tuberculosis, septic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Metabolic diseases like gout.
Primary osteoarthritis occurs in old age groups with obesity.
Clinical features.
Primary OA occurs mostly in obese females after 50 years of age. It affects chiefly the knee joints, distal finger joints, toe joints, lumbar joints, and cervical joints.
Secondary OA occurs in younger age groups, after a specific cause. There is an insidious onset of pain and gradually increases and become constant, and is better by exercise.
Stiffness occurs slowly, and patient feels a difficulty in extending the joint.
Diagnosis is from clinical features and blood examination and x-ray of the affected joint.
OA KNEE
The most important risk factor of OA knee is trauma, especially in men, and it occurs as one-sided OA.
In female, it is bilateral and symmetrical.
Pain is worse from going up and down the stairs.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Pain and swelling of the affected joint
Pain and stiffness of the joint worse during morning hours and after a period of inactivity
Movement of the joint is affected.
Treatment
General treatment
Weight reduction is the primary measure. Plenty of diets rich in calcium and vitamin D should be included in food.
Homeopathic treatment
Since the disease is degenerative, complete recovery is impossible. Homeopathy is equally effective in the symptomatic treatment. By effectively controlling the signs and symptoms the quality of life can be improved.
Medicines usually prescribed are Calc flour, Ruta, Calc phos, Syphilinum, Rhus tox etc;
