If you suffer from joint pain, then it might be osteoarthritis. There are a lot of different forms of arthritis, and it can be hard to tell the difference unless you are an experienced doctor. If you aren’t sure what you have here is some information about osteoarthritis symptoms and treatments
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In this condition, the protective layer of cartilage at the end of the bones has worn down. This causes the bones to grind together and become damaged. This can cause painful swelling and bony growths. No one is certain what causes osteoarthritis, but there are several risk factors. These include joint injury, age, obesity, and gender. Your risk of developing the condition increases with age.
Osteoarthritis Symptoms And Treatments
As with all types of arthritis, the main symptoms are painful swollen joints. The pain can come and go in bursts. The amount of pain can be affected by how active you are as well as the weather. As the condition advances, the pain can become constant.
As well as the typical symptoms of arthritis, you may also see a change in the shape of your joints. There may be a grating sound when you move your knuckles, and you may not have a full range of motion.
Sadly, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Treatments are focus on reducing the pain and preventing further damage. The available treatment options include medication for pain, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapies. In extreme cases, surgery may be an option.
Finding A Doctor
If you are ready to speak to a specialist about osteoarthritis symptoms and treatments, then you need a skilled and experienced rheumatologist. Dr Stepanie Barrett is a highly rated rheumatologist. Make an appointment today to discuss your symptoms. She will be able to recommend the best treatment for you.
