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THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR CARE FROM A PHYSICIAN OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL.

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Joint Ventures

Arthritis literally means an inflammation of the joints. It is a term used to describe over 100 different conditions that affect the joints in the body.

Joints are made to work by contraction and relaxation of muscles attached via tendons and ligaments. When joints are arthritic, swelling and tissue damage cause pain and stiffness. The pain is activated as the joint approaches its limit for movement.

As mobility decreases, the joint becomes stiff and the muscles surrounding the joint become weak, allowing for further injury to the joint.

In many types of arthritis, symptoms tend to come and go. They are usually worse in the morning and more severe on some days. They could also disappear completely some days or for a stretch of time, only to flare up again later.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is also called degenerative joint disease. It involves the breakdown of cartilage and other joint tissues and most frequently occurs in weight-bearing joints, mainly knees, hips, and ankles.

Osteoarthritis slowly and gradually breaks down the cartilage that covers the ends of each bone in a joint. The cartilage loses its elasticity and becomes pitted and frayed. Large sections of the cartilage may break away leaving the ends of the bones unprotected. Without their normal protective surfaces to help the bones glide together, the joint becomes painful to move.

In osteoarthritis of the knee, the shape of the bone and appearance of the leg may change over the years. Many people become bow-legged or knock-kneed.

In osteoarthritis of the hip, the affected leg may appear shorter.

What are the symptoms?

The number one symptom is pain. The pain is caused by irritation and pressure on nerve endings as well as muscle tension and fatigue. The pain can progress from mild soreness and aching with movement to severe pain, even when resting. The second symptom is loss of easy movement, such as bending or rising normally. Morning stiffness is a problem for many people. This lack of mobility, in turn, often causes the muscles serving the knee or hip to weaken, and overall body coordination suffers.

How is it diagnosed?

A simple weight-bearing x-ray and examination by a skilled orthopedic doctor will determine if you have osteoarthritis. Time-consuming and costly diagnostic procedures are not required.

What is the treatment?

There is no cure for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic new ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility and fatigue that are among its most disabling symptoms. During the early and middle stages, a treatment program of medicines, cortisone shots, ice treatments, exercise, and physical therapy can be very effective in reducing symptoms and improving mobility.

• Diet
  There is no evidence that any specific foods will prevent or relieve arthritis symptoms. It's important to keep thin, however, because excess weight aggravates arthritis by putting added pressure on the knee.
• Exercise and Rest
  Prolonged rest and days of inactivity will increase stiffness and make it harder to move around. Motion is lotion for arthritis! At the same time excessive or improper exercise can overwork your arthritic joint and cause further damage. A balanced routine of rest and exercise is best.
• Ice Treatments
  Ice packs on the knee (three times daily, 10-20 minutes at a time) are helpful for inflammation and temporary relief of pain and soreness. Heat applications in either the knee or hip make osteoarthritis worse.
• Medicines
  Coated aspirin helps relieve pain and has few side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Voltaren, Feldene, Naprosyn, and Clinoril, are prescription drugs for pain and inflammation. Do not take aspirin if you are taking NSAIDS.
• Cortisone Shots
  Cortisone shots are given for inflammation. For many people, joint arthritis is often made symptom-free for months or even years after cortisone shots. Four to six shots a year can be given without any dangerous side effects. What about surgery?  
• Arthroscopy
  Arthroscopic procedures are not generally helpful for arthritis. In some cases, a "flap" of torn knee cartilage can aggravate arthritis and cause additional pain. The cartilage flap can be removed by arthroscopy.
• Knee or Hip Replacement
  Knee replacement or hip replacement is a very positive solution to the pain and disability of advanced osteoarthritis. The rough, worn surfaces of the joint are relined with smooth-surfaced metal and plastic components.

Remember...You do not have to suffer with osteoarthritis, there are options available. It’s up to you to take charge of your life and take advantage of them!

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