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Osteoarthritis: Making stiff joints move again |
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Many different diseases are classified as forms of "arthritis." But the most common form among seniors is osteoarthritis. What is this crippling condition, and how can it be treated? Here are the facts. Osteoarthritis is so common among Americans over 65 that by 2030, as the baby boomers age, more than 40 million of us will be suffering from this debilitating condition. That's double the number afflicted today. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage - the firm, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of your bones at the joints - starts to break down. Once it's damaged enough, the bones can even rub directly against each other. The pain and stiffness you experience is because the normal cartilage is no longer there to provide a smooth, slippery surface inside the joint. Osteoarthritis typically affects your weight-bearing joints - spine, hips, knees and feet. It also can affect your hands and other joints like the shoulder. It will often affect a joint that's been injured in some way in the past. It usually occurs in middle-aged or older individuals. Despite what you might think, however, people don't automatically develop arthritis when they get older. You might inherit the tendency for certain forms of arthritis, most often osteoarthritis of the hands. But more often, it's factors like excess weight; sports injuries to joints; accidents; or work-related activities, such as heavy lifting, that can put you at risk for osteoarthritis. Tell of your pain Some people may believe that you have to learn to live with the aches and pains of osteoarthritis. But you shouldn't just ignore your discomfort. Talk with your family doctor if you think you might be experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis. This can be a serious condition. In fact, osteoarthritis of the knee can limit your physical activity just as much as - or even more than - heart disease can. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, your medical history, and an examination of the joints that are bothering you. If you're over 60, osteoarthritis often shows some changes on an x-ray, too. Goals guide treatment When your doctor treats you for this disease, he or she usually has two goals - to make it easier for you to function and to improve the overall quality of your daily life. Your doctor will usually recommend a combination of exercise, physical therapy, medications and lifestyle changes, depending on your individual needs. |
It's important to talk with your physician about what you can do to help with your own treatment - and what you can expect. The medications your doctor prescribes work to reduce pain and swelling from your arthritis. Some common anti-inflammatory prescription drugs include Bextra, Celebrex, Daypro, Feldene and Voltaren. Sometimes knee injections can also provide symptom relief (Hyalgan, Synvisc, steroids). Over-the-counter medications your doctor may recommend include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and glucosamine sulfate. Capsaicin cream (Zostrix) can be used on the skin over an affected joint to reduce pain. Recent research has raised some concerns about the safety of certain arthritis medications, and one medication, Vioxx, was taken off the market in 2004 because of these concerns. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and potential risks of arthritis medications you are taking or considering. MOVE! Although it might not seem important, you need to pay just as much attention to the exercises your doctor recommends as you do to the medicine he or she prescribes. Clinical studies have shown that appropriate physical activity programs - from walking to water exercise - do help people with osteoarthritis. Specifically, they can help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve both flexibility and your ability to function. But since you need to choose your activities wisely, talk to your doctor before taking any plunge! Self-care is key Finally, you'll have a better chance of living well with osteoarthritis if you educate yourself about the condition and play an active role in your own care. Research has shown that people with osteoarthritis who participate in their own care report less pain and make fewer doctor visits, and they experience a better quality of life. The late Cynthia Dayton Klobnak was president of Health-Comm Solutions, LLC, in Kansas City, Mo.
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