Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage in our joints, a chronic condition that causes pain and stiffness. Often diagnosed in patients over the age fifty, a person’s medical history could greatly impact osteoarthritis if they suffer from previous joint injuries or obesity. Frequently found in joints under constant pressure and weight, osteoarthritis is diagnosed in various weight-bearing joints in the body, which include the knees, hips, feet, and even the spine. The primary symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness, which worsen over time. Treatment for osteoarthritis includes a holistic approach such as medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in rare cases, surgery to replace or repair joints. Frequently, osteoarthritis can be slowed as the disease progresses so as to provide relief for many who suffer.
