What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a general term describing inflammation of the joints. Although osteoarthritis can start at any age, this condition generally begins as you grow older. This is due to the stress you put on joints during years of use.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of inflammation in joints and occurs due to wear and tear on the cartilage that protects them. The condition tends to develop in your joints that bear the brunt of your weight, including your:

• Hips
• Knees
• Spine
• Finger joints
• Neck
• Big toe

Osteoarthritis develops gradually, but specific osteoarthritis symptoms can include:

• Aching or soreness in the joints that increase with activity
• Stiffness after long periods of rest
• Obvious swelling of visible joints like those in your fingers or knee

Osteoarthritis can progress and become more severe, so early treatment is vital. If you think you’re experiencing the first signs of osteoarthritis, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Ramos Rheumatology. 

What causes osteoarthritis?

While the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, there are many factors involved that the team at Ramos Rheumatology can help identify. It can run in families, for instance, or may relate to your job or a previous injury. Osteoarthritis is also more common among women and is influenced by your weight and physical fitness level.

The condition is caused by stiffness of the cartilage that protects the joint. For example, your hip joint has cartilage between the ball and socket to keep your bones from rubbing together. As the cartilage loses its elasticity with age, it breaks down and exposes the ends of your bones. The rubbing of these bones against one another leads to inflammation.

What is the best treatment for osteoarthritis?

Finding the correct osteoarthritis treatment for you will depend on the location of your inflammation and factors such as your occupation, age, and fitness level. Dr. Ramos will discuss these factors with you extensively when developing a care plan. Treatment takes a holistic approach and generally involves a combination of medical therapies and lifestyle changes.

Ramos Rheumatology also offers the latest medications and modalities, including antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as injection therapy to deliver corticosteroids and viscosupplementation.  

How can I find short-term osteoarthritis pain relief?

Lifestyle changes are an important part of any osteoarthritis treatment plan and can help to relieve your symptoms in the short-term. Weight and exercise levels have a dramatic impact on osteoarthritis, especially when it affects weight-bearing joints like your knees and hips. To achieve your goals, Dr. Ramos may suggest low-impact exercises and a weight-loss plan as part of your self-management, nutriceuticals to improve your diet, and physical therapy to help regain strength.