Osteoarthritis Facts and Fictions
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects 27 million Americans. By age 85, 1 in 2 adults will develop knee OA, and 1 in 4 adults will experience symptoms of hip OA. Yet, there are many misconceptions about this common disease. With these facts and statistics, you can learn more about OA, as well as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, two diseases that are often confused with OA. (https://tinyurl.com/2zy5j5jn)
1. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
In healthy joints, cartilage covers the ends of bones and acts as a cushion, allowing us to move easily. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to break down, so the bones in the joint begin to rub against each other. This friction causes pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion, making it difficult to walk, stand, or perform other activities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis limits the daily activities of 24 million Americans. However, it would be a mistake to think that there is little you can do to relieve pain or improve mobility. With proper treatment and self-care, most people with osteoarthritis will see significant improvement. (https://tinyurl.com/2zy5j5jn)
2. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men.
Globally, about 18% of women and nearly 10% of men over the age of 60 experience pain and discomfort from osteoarthritis. No one knows exactly why women are more susceptible to this degenerative joint disease, but research suggests that estrogen (more specifically, the drop in estrogen levels associated with menopause) may play a role. Some evidence suggests that estrogen replacement therapy may reduce arthritis symptoms in menopausal women. (https://tinyurl.com/2zy5j5jn)
3. Repetitive motion and injuries can lead to osteoarthritis.
Yes, an injury at a young age can lead to osteoarthritis later in life. According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 50% of people who suffer trauma will experience symptoms of osteoarthritis at the site of the injury. For example, an athlete who suffers a knee injury (including a strained or torn ligament) is likely to develop knee arthritis. (https://tinyurl.com/2zy5j5jn)
Repetitive movements, such as bending, standing, or lifting, can also cause cartilage breakdown and arthritis. If your job requires many of the same movements over and over, your risk of developing osteoarthritis is increased.
4. Osteoarthritis increases your risk of falling.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, people with osteoarthritis have a 30% higher rate of falls than those without arthritis, and people with osteoarthritis have a 20% higher rate of fractures than those without the disease. Even with arthritis, proper treatment and self-care can help minimize your risk of falling. Medical treatment, including cortisone injections into the affected area, can improve mobility and reduce the likelihood of falling. Using assistive devices, such as crutches, walkers, or handrails installed beside stairs and in the shower, can also reduce the risk of falls. (https://tinyurl.com/2zy5j5jn)
5. Osteoarthritis is different from rheumatoid arthritis.
Both types of arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and difficulty moving, as well as permanent joint damage. However, the underlying causes of each disease are different. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease; symptoms occur when the cartilage in the joints can no longer effectively cushion the bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease; it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect internal organs and joints. OA is limited to the joints.
6. Exercise is essential for people with osteoarthritis.
For those with joint pain, consciously engaging in physical activity may sound painful because it’s painful to get out of bed in the morning. But exercise helps muscles and ligaments stay strong and flexible, ultimately reducing stress on the joints. Increasing physical activity can also speed up weight loss, and every pound lost significantly reduces joint stress. Good exercises for people with osteoarthritis include yoga, swimming, weightlifting, and cycling.
7. Similar lifestyle changes can help treat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by loss of bone tissue, while osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by loss of joint cartilage. Both diseases increase the risk of fractures. Regular exercise can increase bone mass and strengthen the muscles and ligaments connected to the bones, thereby reducing the risk of fractures. A healthy diet, including regular intake of calcium and vitamin D, is beneficial for bone and joint health. Physical therapy is often recommended for people with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, focusing on muscle strength, correct body posture during exercise, and balance.
8. Osteoarthritis often affects sleep and mood.
Pain from osteoarthritis can make it hard to sleep at night. Lack of sleep, combined with difficulty doing daily activities and leisure activities that were once enjoyed, often leads to depression. Fortunately, treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis often also relieves the symptoms of depression. Proper treatment can significantly reduce or eliminate pain, allowing patients to resume favorite activities and sleep peacefully. If feelings of hopelessness and sadness persist after arthritis pain is relieved, talk to your healthcare provider.
9. Nutritional supplements may or may not help.
Many articles and advertisements claim that glucosamine and chondroitin, two substances found naturally in the body's connective tissue, including cartilage, can relieve osteoarthritis pain and improve function. Both substances are widely used as nutritional supplements, but there is no clear evidence that they can relieve symptoms. The American College of Rheumatology currently says that people should not use either substance, noting that both glucosamine and chondroitin can interact with common blood-thinning medications.
Other nutritional supplements that may improve joint function include avocado-soy unsaponifiables and omega-3 fatty acids. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
10. In some cases, a joint replacement may be the best treatment.
Many people consider hip or knee replacement a last resort—a treatment that should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, the desire to avoid surgery often causes people to endure pain and disability for far longer than necessary. While it makes sense to try less invasive treatments first, joint replacement should be considered if medications, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments do not provide adequate pain relief. Modern joint replacements are safe and often help patients regain activities they once thought they would have to give up forever.
