| Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease. The cartilage, | | | | especially during the later part of the day. Certain |
| which is a protein that cushions the joints, faces an | | | | patients become greatly enfeebled due to pain, while in |
| eventual loss, causing this disease. There are more | | | | other cases there might be a greater case of |
| than 100 types of arthritic conditions but degenerative | | | | degeneration of bones without as much pain. |
| arthritis is by far the most common. The spine, feet, | | | | X-ray is the most important method for the diagnosis |
| hands and other areas that bear the load of the body | | | | of osteoarthritis. An x-ray is always followed by blood |
| like the knees and the hips are most affected by this | | | | tests to find out if the condition is the consequence of |
| condition. | | | | any other disease. According to the x-ray reports, a |
| When the cause of arthritis is not known it is called | | | | decision regarding surgery is taken. Other effective |
| primary arthritis, like erosive osteoarthritis, and after the | | | | means of diagnosis are arthrocentesis and |
| cause is known it is called as secondary arthritis. The | | | | arthroscopy. Arthrocentesis involves the extraction of |
| common example of which would be traumatic or | | | | fluid from the joint for analysis. It also helps relieve |
| post-traumatic arthritis. | | | | inflammation, pain and swelling. In arthroscopy, a |
| Primary osteoarthritis is mostly caused due to aging. | | | | viewing tube is inserted into the joint space by the |
| Secondary osteoarthritis on the other hand, maybe | | | | doctors. |
| caused due to another disease or condition. Obesity, | | | | Avoiding exerting activities and reduction of weight are |
| diabetes, gout, repeated surgery or trauma may cause | | | | the only two ways that can slow down the process |
| this condition. The disease does not affect any organ | | | | of cartilage degeneration, besides the use of |
| of the body other than the affected joints. The main | | | | medication and surgery. |
| symptom of the disease is constant pain in the joint, | | | | |