Osteoarthritis (OA)? | Rheumatology NOW

Osteoarthritis (OA) is indeed the most common form of arthritis and is often referred to as degenerative joint disease or "wear and tear" arthritis. It primarily affects the cartilage, the protective tissue that covers the ends of bones within a joint, causing it to break down and deteriorate over time.

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<p>Rheumatologist, discusses osteoarthritis treatments such as acetominophen and NSAIDs.</p>

Rheumatologist, discusses osteoarthritis treatments such as acetominophen and NSAIDs.

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True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Osteoarthritis?

Quiz: Do You Understand Osteoarthritis?

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions

True

False

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body.

Explanation:

Osteoarthritis is most common in the joints of the knees, hips, hands, fingers, neck and spine, although it can affect any joint in the body.

Osteoarthritis symptoms can be worse when you first get up.

Explanation:

Osteoarthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling in joints, especially when getting up in the morning. If your OA is severe, you may feel pain for the entire day, or lose your ability to use the joint. Pain and stiffness in the hands and loss of grip strength and dexterity are common, making it challenging to open jars or grip something tightly in the hands.

Losing weight won't help osteoarthritis as it doesn't effect weight-bearing joints.

Explanation:

Even five or ten pounds of weight loss significantly reduces the strain across a weight-bearing joint, and can improve pain and reduce the need for joint replacement in the future.

If you have osteoarthritis you will know, as the symptoms are too painful to ignore.

Explanation:

Many individuals will not have any osteoarthritis symptoms. Others will have quite severe symptoms.

Corticosteroid injections can be an effective osteoarthritis treatment.

Explanation:

OA medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, acetaminophen and pain medications such as opioids.

Who Gets Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is indeed more common in individuals aged 50 or older and tends to affect women more than men. Factors such as obesity, joint injuries, and excessive joint use can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.