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When you move, do your knees sound like a familiar
cereal--snap, crackle, pop? You may be suffering from
osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is one of the oldest and most common forms
of arthritis. Almost 21 million Americans are affected. Most
are over the age of 45 and more women than men suffer from
the disease. Also known as degenerative joint disease,
osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage or cushion lining
the joints wears away and bone rubs against bone.
The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown but what is know
is that age, heredity, and obesity are risk factors. Sports
activity and work-related activity may also be risk
indicators.
The pain from this disease generally begins slowly and
builds over the years. Pain often occurs in the small finger
joints and the large joints that bear the body's weight.
Osteoarthritis pain may come and go with bad spells and may
seem to increase in hot, humid weather. Many people with
osteoarthritis know they are in pain, but don't know which
type of the more than 100 forms of arthritis they have. If
you experience symptoms for more than two weeks, contact
your physician. Not all aches and pains are a normal part of
aging.
Stiffness from osteoarthritis tends to follow periods of
inactivity. So don't sit still and feel miserable. Talk with
your doctor and determine an exercise program for your
abilities. You don't need to be a world-class athlete to
benefit from regular exercise. Research has shown that
regular exercise leads to significantly fewer everyday aches
and pains and increased mobility.
There are many treatments for osteoarthritis that don't
involve medication. Simple life style changes such as
lifting properly or using a cane or walker can help. Living
with osteoarthritis means sticking to the daily regiment
prescribed by your physician. Don't be discouraged because
the treatments are not immediately successful. Stay with
your program.
While no medication stops or reverses the disease,
over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen, and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often help
reduce the chronic pain of osteoarthritis. Prescription
drugs are also available to treat the diseases. Talk with
your doctor before taking any medications.
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Things you can do
Lose weight
Research has shown that losing as little as 11 pounds
may cut your risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50
percent.
Get moving
Take a hike, a swim, ride a bike. Aerobic activity will
help relieve pain, improve flexibility, and possibly reduce
the need for painkillers. Be sure to warm up first. Start
slowly and get up to speed after your muscles and joints
have at least five minutes prep time.
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When it hurts
- A warm bath can relieve muscle tension and ease
aching joints.
- Use whirlpools, warm compress or microwaveable heat
packs to relieve pain and stiffness.
- Apply cold to sore spots to reduce pain and
swelling.
- Use a topical analgesic to rub out mild pain.
- Enjoy a massage.
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For More Information
Listed above are several Web sites that offer additional
information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care
does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the
accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These
links are here for general information only, and should not
be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any
questions, please contact UI
Health Access.
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