Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms and Management

Osteoarthritis is a kind of joint disease which is caused by breakdown of the cartilage of joints and the underlying bone. Stiffness and joint pain are experienced initially only after exercise, but these gradually become constant over time. Joint swelling, weakness and numbness in arms and legs, decreased range of motion, etc. may also occur. Unlike other forms of arthritis, only the joints are affected in osteoarthritis, such as the joints at the base of the thumb, near the end of the fingers, lower back, knee, neck and hips. Osteoarthritis is caused by low grade inflammatory processes and mechanical stress on the joint. It progresses with the loss of cartilage. X-rays can confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis along with a clinical examination and medical history review. Joint space narrowing, subchondral cyst formation, subchondral sclerosis and osteophytes are certain determiners of the disease when seen on an X-ray. Lifestyle modifications comprising of exercise and weight loss, and analgesics are prescribed for its management. In cases where osteoarthritis negatively impacts the quality of life, joint replacement surgery or osteotomy may be required. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most advanced research in osteoarthritis. It presents this complex disease in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. This book will help new researchers by foregrounding their knowledge in osteoarthritis.