Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most commonly found forms of arthritis worldwide. It is a chronic disease that causes progressive pain, inflammation, stiffness, reduced joint mobility, and a diminished quality of life.
While OA is primarily associated with wear-and-tear of the cartilage, it is a complex condition that affects multiple tissues in a joint. It is most commonly found in individuals aged above 45 and is one of the leading causes of joint deformity and disability in India. OA figures in the country rose from 23.46 million people in 1990 to 62.35 million in 2019 (1).
Let’s discuss what OA really is and what its risk factors are.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating joint disorder classified by a gradual damage caused to the articular cartilage – the protective, smooth layer between two bones in a joint, enabling friction-free movement.
When the cartilage gets damaged, the joint tends to feel inflamed, stiff, and painful. This leads to a decrease in range of movement and flexibility, which consequently results in reduced mobility.
Some commonly affected joints are:
- Knees
- Hips
- Hands
- Spine
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Osteoarthritis usually presents with the following symptoms:
- Persistent joint pain
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling & tenderness around joints
- Functional limitations because of a reduced range of motion
- A crackling or grinding sensation in the joint
As OA progresses, individuals may face increasing difficulties in routine tasks such as walking, jogging, climbing stairs, and household chores etc.
Risk Factors
Ageing is the most common risk factor for osteoarthritis, owing to biological changes that lead to progressive wear-and-tear of the cartilage, reducing the joint’s resilience and repair capacity. However, there are several other factors too that increase one’s risk for the condition.
Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis
| Factor | Explanation |
| Old age | Individuals aged 55+ are more prone |
| Gender | Women comprise 60% of osteoarthritis patients |
| Obesity | The higher your body weight, the higher the risk |
| Joint injuries | Any kind of joint injuries, even if they occurred years ago |
| Repetitive stress | A joint that faces repetitive stress due to job, sports, or any other reason |
| Family history | You may inherit the condition from a parent |
| Deformed bones | Individuals born with defective cartilage or malformed joints |
| Other diseases | Diabetes, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, etc. |
Does Osteoarthritis Get Worse with Age?
One question every OA patient asks – “Does osteoarthritis worsen with age?” The answer is both yes and no. Yes, because given that OA is a chronic degenerative disease, it will naturally lead to increasing damage to joints and cushioning cartilage with time.
And no, because while there is no cure for the condition, effective management strategies can help delay progression and alleviate symptoms so that you can lead a normal life.
How to Slow Down Osteoarthritis Progression?
Osteoarthritis progression can be effectively slowed down by making a few lifestyle modifications:
- Dietary changes: You must limit trans fats, sugar, excessive salt, processed food, and red meats if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Instead, you should include anti-inflammatory food items like fish, leafy greens, fruits, wholegrains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Physiotherapy: To delay osteoarthritis progression, regular and professional-assisted physiotherapy sessions are a must. These will not only help relieve symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, but also help keep you active and maintain a healthy weight.
- Medication: If your doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs, follow the instructions and don’t miss your medication. This will help regulate symptoms and delay OA progression.
- Surgery: If your arthritis does progress to the point of no return, you must consult a specialist and consider getting a joint replacement. Joint replacement surgeries are proven to significantly improve overall health and quality of life.
When to Visit a Doctor?
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms or is at risk of developing osteoarthritis, you must seek immediate medical help. Sohana Hospital boasts a highly experienced team of rheumatologists and the best orthopaedic doctors in Chandigarh. Book a consultation with us and get the best arthritis care in the tricity.
Sohana Hospital’s world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge diagnostics, and ultra-modern treatment facilities ensure you get the highest quality treatment at budget-friendly prices.
Don’t delay, visit today!
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