Osteoarthritis

One of the leading causes of joint pain is a result of the deterioration of cartilage at the end of bones. Most often felt in the hands, knees, spine, and hips. Common symptoms can lead to stiffness, tenderness, swelling, bone spurs, and pain.   

​

Risk factors

Older age, sex (women are more likely to develop it, though it isn’t clear why), obesity, joint injuries, repeated stress on the joint, bone deformities, certain metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

​

Symptoms

Pain or aching, stiffness, decreased range of motion (or flexibility), swelling, bone spurs, grating sensation, tenderness.

​

Treatments

There is no cure for OA, so doctors treat its symptoms with therapies. Some of these are the following: Increasing physical activity, physical therapy with muscle strengthening exercises, weight loss, medications including over-the counter pain relievers and prescription drugs, supportive devices such as crutches or canes, and surgery in cases where other treatments have not been effective.

​

Medication

• Acetaminophen

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)