Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disorder affecting millions worldwide. It arises when the shielding cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down with time. Osteoarthritis can indeed impair any joint, but the ailment primarily influences joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine. The older population is more prone to get Osteoarthritis. Its because ageing and day-to-day usage of our joints lead to impairments in the cartilage, resulting in pain and swelling in the long run.

Types of Osteoarthritis (OA)

There are mainly two types of Osteoarthritis. 

The primary type of arthritis mainly impacts finger thumbs, spine and hip areas.

The secondary type of arthritis occurs mainly due to injury or trauma caused by accident or sports-related injury. It also covers inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, joint genetic disorders etc.

What Are The Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis (OA)?

There are various symptoms of arthritis, and it can be enlisted as 

Ache

Swelling

Immobility

Flexibility

In Osteoarthritis, the water gets collected in the cartilage, and there is a protein breakdown, and the bones may start to fragment or bring tiny tears. In chronic cases prevalent for longer, the cartilage gets wholly damaged. The bones now start rubbing more vigorously together, making it stiffer and more painful to use the joint.

Osteoarthritis occasionally occurs in multiple members of one family, indicating that a hereditary gene has been passed down from parents to children. Rarely these cases are driven by issues in collagen, a rigid protein seen in your connective tissue.

Risk Associated With Osteoarthritis 

The risk associated with Osteoarthritis (OA) includes joint injury or overuse. The overuse of the joints, like the knee bending and repetitive stress on a joint, leads to an increased risk of OA in that joint.

Age 

With advancing age, the risk of developing OA increases. Women are more viable to develop OA than men, particularly after 50.

Obesity

Adding weight puts more stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. It raises the risk of OA and may also have metabolic effects that increase the risk of OA.

Genetics

People with family members suffering from genetic disorders are more likely to develop Osteoarthritis. It is seen that people with hands osteoarthritis are more viable to produce knee OA.

Treatment For Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder with no specific cure, but you can check your symptoms. Treatment includes

• Increasing physical activity
• Following a diet that could ensure weight loss
• We are consuming over the counter medications and even surgery.

How Can Exercising Help You Improve Osteoarthritis conditions?

Exercising plays a crucial role in improving overall flexibility and enhancing muscle strength. Getting into a daily swimming routine and low-impact strength training can help you maintain weight. Moreover, all such activities can also lessen the pain and disability that osteoarthritis patients undergo.

Doing energetic exercises should be avoided, as they may increase arthritis symptoms and potentially quicken the advancement of the disease. Physical therapists or occupational therapists can deliver relevant and customised exercise regimens for individuals with Osteoarthritis.