Joints hurt? Yep, mine too. Let’s talk about osteoarthritis.
By Ann Byrd, Clinical pharmacist
Arthritis. I remember when I was younger, I associated this word with people that were really old; and then I got it in high school.
Arthritis can develop at any age, but it’s more common in older adults. Arthritis is thought to affect more than 1/3 of Americans, and as a pharmacist with the Sheridan VA Medical Center for more than 20 years, it is a condition that affects many of our patients. It’s characterized by inflammation and pain in joints that can cause stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. It can vary from mild to severe pain and can impact daily living and quality of life. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but one of the most common types is osteoarthritis.
What really is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is what causes cartilage to break down, and it’s estimated that more than 80% of people over 55 have it. It’s the “wear and tear” arthritis and is called “primary osteoarthritis”. Those of us who played hard when we were young (or still play hard because we’re young at heart) are likely to experience OA. When the shock-absorbing layer wears down, and it becomes bone on bone rubbing together in the joints of hands, knees, hips, or spine, you feel it (ouch!). “Secondary osteoarthritis” is when something happens to cause primary osteoarthritis, like injury or trauma. For example, you break a foot, and the break heals, but it never feels quite right (or pain free) after.
There are several risk factors to developing OA like: age, gender (post-menopausal women are more likely), obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or autoimmune diseases. It can be diagnosed by a physical exam where range of motion and pain level are noted, as well as imaging and blood tests. Imaging (MRI or CT) can see if/how joint damage is present, and blood tests can show if other conditions/infections can be causing symptoms.
It is possible to make lifestyle choices to help prevent arthritis by avoiding tobacco products, exercising, having a healthy diet, wearing proper protective equipment for sports (to help prevent injury), and maintaining regular check-ups to monitor overall (joint) health. However, if OA still makes an appearance, there are ways to make living with it easier.
Treatment options are available for osteoarthritis
There are different types of treatments ranging from home therapies and over-the-counter products to prescription medications and/or surgery. Heat and cold therapies work well. It is recommended to apply a cold pack to acute injury, but heat can help ease chronic aches and pain. Also, alternating between temperatures can stimulate blood flow which may help. Low-impact exercise can help relieve joint stiffness and strengthen muscles surrounding affected joints. There are several over-the-counter options ranging from oral pain relievers (acetaminophen) and anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) to topical ointments (diclofenac) and patches (lidocaine) that may provide benefit. If arthritis is advanced, it may require prescription therapy and/or surgery.
The bottom line is that you’re not alone in managing osteoarthritis symptoms and there are treatment options that may help. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss symptoms you are having and decide what treatment is best for you.