Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to joint pain and stiffness, particularly affecting weight-bearing joints. It can be classified into primary osteoarthritis, which results from aging, and secondary osteoarthritis, caused by other medical conditions. Management includes physical therapy, weight loss, medication for pain relief, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.

1. OSTEOARTHRITIS
Dr. SARITA SHARMA
Associate Professor
Department of Pharmacology
MMCP (MMDU)

2. Osteoarthritis:
 Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that features the
breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one
or more joints.
 Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a
"cushion" between the bones during joint
movements.

3. Primary osteoarthritis:
 It is a type of osteoarthritis that occur as a result
of natural aging of the joint. With aging, the
water content of the cartilage increases that
leads to degeneration of protein makeup of
cartilage.
 It do not occur due to injury or disease.

4. Secondary osteoarthritis:
 It is a form of osteoarthritis that is caused due to
presence of another diseased conditions i.e., suffering
from past medical histories. These conditions include
1) Obesity
2) Repeated trauma to the joint structures
3) Repeated surgeries to the joint structures
4) Abnormal joints at birth (congenital abnormalities)
5) Gout
6) Diabetes
7) Hormonal disorders

5. Symptoms
 The symptoms of osteoarthritis tends to develop slowly.
 Pain or soreness during movement of certain joints
 Joint movements will be inactive for a prolonged period.
 The affected joints may also be stiff or creaky.
 Typically, osteoarthritis leads to morning stiffness that
resolves in 30 minutes.
 When osteoarthritis affects the hands, some people
develops bony enlargements in the fingers.

6.  In most cases, osteoarthritis develops in the weight-
bearing joints such as knees, hips or spine.
 It is also common in the fingers, thumb, neck and
big toe.
 Other joints are usually not affected, unless an
injury is completely gets involved.

8. Osteoarthritis and Weight:
 One of the most effective ways to relieve pain in the
knee or hip joints is to shed a few pounds.
 Even modest weight loss has been shown to reduce
symptoms of osteoarthritis by easing the strain on
weight-bearing joints.
 Losing weight not only cuts down the pain but also
reduces long-term joint damage.

9. Osteoarthritis and Exercise:
 People with osteoarthritis may avoid exercise, that will
cause pain.
 But low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, or
bicycling can improve mobility and increase strength.
 Training with light weights can help by strengthening the
muscles that surrounds the joints.
 For example, strengthening the quadriceps (muscles of
thigh) can reduce pain in the knees.

11. Causes:
 Every joint works with the help of natural
shock absorber i.e., cartilage.
 It is a firm, rubbery material cushions that
helps in joint movements and reduces friction
in healthy joints.

12.  Due to increase of age, joints become stiffer,
cartilage become more vulnerable to wear and tear.
 At the same time, repetitive use of the joints over
the years irritates the cartilage.
 If cartilage deterioration to more extent, bone rubs
against bone, causing pain and reducing range of
motion.

13. Long-Term Complications
 Osteoarthritis does not affect the body's organs or cause
illness. But, it can lead to mobility deformities.
 Severe loss of cartilage in the knee joints can cause the
knees to curve out, creating a bow-legged appearance.
 Bony spurs (sharp pointed projection) along the spine
can irritate nerves leading to pain, numbness or tingling
sensations.

14. Diagnosis:
 For making an accurate diagnosis, symptoms should be
stated in detail include the location and frequency of pain.
 Orthopaedician examine the affected joints and may order
X-rays or other imaging studies to know the extent of
damage and to rule out other joint conditions.
 In many cases, blood tests are used to rule out other forms
of arthritis.

15. Treatment: Physical Therapy
 There is no treatment to stop the erosion of cartilages
present in the joints, but there are ways to improve joint
function.
 Physical therapy helps to increase flexibility and
strengthen the muscles around the affected joints.
 The therapist may apply hot or cold compresses to
relieve pain.

16. Supportive Devices
 Supportive devices such as finger splints or knee
braces, can reduce stress of joints and eases pain.
 If there is difficulty in walking: canes, crutches or
walkers may be helpful.
 People with osteoarthritis of the spine may benefit by
wearing a back brace or neck collar.

18. TREATMENT:
 When osteoarthritis flares up, many patients find
relief with OTC anti-inflammatory medications such
as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
 Pain-relieving creams or sprays also helps in
relieving pain, to be applied directly to the sore area.
 If pain persists, despite the use of pills creams,
Orthopaedician may suggest steroidal injections.

19. Surgery:
 If osteoarthritis problems interferes significantly
with everyday life and symptoms do not relieve
with physical therapy or medication, joint
replacement surgery is an option.
 In surgery, artificial bones will be replaced thereby
promoting flexion, extension abduction etc
mechanisms.

20.  This procedure is used for patients suffering from
severe osteoarthritis.
 The knee and hip are the joints that are replaced
most often.

21. Preventing Osteoarthritis:
 Over the years, extra weight puts stress on the joints
and may even alter the normal joint structure.
 The most important thing to ward off osteoarthritis is
decreasing weight to normal BMI.
 Preventing injuries is also important.
 Take precautions to avoid repetitive motion injuries on
the job.

22. Exercise:
 Start with a little. If pain do not persist, increase the
duration of exercise for next time.
 Allot the time duration for about 30 minutes a day.
 On doing exercise in a proper way, leg muscles gets
build up, supports knee and increase flexibility.
 Some muscle soreness is normal, swollen joints need
rest.