| |
Learning About Osteo Arthritis
The term does not refer to a single disease, but rather to a group of over 100 different forms of a disease, and in other words it is a sort of umbrella term that is used to refer to these medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically those joints where two or bones meet.
While there are over 100 different forms of and those are only the ones known and recognized at this time, there are three in particular that are especially significant and common: rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and osteo arthritis.
Osteo Arthritis
Osteo is actually recognized as being the most common form of of all, and it is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the body. Over time the cartilage may actually end up wearing away entirely, and although osteo is a form of that is able to affect almost any joint of the body, it most often affects the hips, knees, hands and spine.
Although osteo is considered as being a non-inflammatory arthritis, meaning that it does not cause inflammation of the joints and muscles as most other types of do, this is actually not true, and although there is usually no swelling during the earlier stages of the disease, as it progresses there can be inflammation, and in fact is in almost all cases.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Before any method of treatment can be prescribed, a proper diagnosis has to be made. Establishing the correct
diagnosis is vital, because treatment is available but only once this has been accomplished. This is why as soon as you notice any of the signs or symptoms of the disease, or any form of for that matter, that you seek medical help immediately.
In terms of treatment for osteo arthritis, your doctor will usually start off with something milder, such as Tylenol or Aspirin and tell you to try that for a couple of weeks. If there are no signs of improvement or relief of your pain, then they will move on to something more powerful, such as creams and gels. These are applied topically, directly onto the skin and most are usually available over-the-counter.
Finally there are much more serious methods of treatment, namely medication that you may be prescribed, especially if your symptoms are causing you serious pain. Codeine preparations are the most commonly recommended here, and this is a combination of codeine and acetaminophen.
|
|
