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Osteoarthritis: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
What Is Range of Motion?
Generally speaking, range of motion refers to the distance and direction a joint can move to its full potential. Each specific joint has a normal range of motion, expressed in degrees after measured using a goniometer.
10 Facts About Capsaicin
Capsaicin is an ingredient in many topical skin preparations used to relieve pain associated with arthritis. The capsaicin creams are marketed under many brand names.
Cracking Knuckles & Arthritis
Cracking your knuckles is an annoying habit. But does cracking your knuckles really cause arthritis as some people think? A few studies have drawn conclusions about cracking your knuckles and whether it causes arthritis. Do you think it does?
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is also the most common cause of disability in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment help manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
10 Facts About Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural substance that is found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine is also sold as a popular dietary supplement to treat osteoarthritis. The health benefits of glucosamine are still being researched.
Difference Between OA and RA
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is recognized as the most crippling type of arthritis. What are the significant differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Signs and Symptoms of OA
Osteoarthritis symptoms usually develop gradually. Pain is the primary osteoarthritis symptom. Recognizing early osteoarthritis symptoms leads to early treatment.
What Is a Subchondral Cyst?
Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. X-rays that reveal cartilage damage may show evidence of a subchondral cyst. What is a subchondral cyst?
Osteoarthritis: X-ray Evidence
Osteoarthritis shows on x-ray. The appearance of joints on x-ray help diagnose osteoarthritis. Joint damage has a characteristic appearance on an osteoarthritis x-ray.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis is a common form of osteoarthritis. The problems caused by hip osteoarthritis are significant since the hip is a weightbearing joint. Early diagnosis and treatment help manage symptoms associated with hip osteoarthritis.
10 Facts About Cartilage
Cartilage is the smooth covering over the ends of bones in a joint. Arthritis causes cartilage damage. Pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion result from damaged cartilage.
Knee Osteoarthritis - Test Your Knowledge
Take this quiz about the basic facts of knee osteoarthritis.
Varus and Valgus Deformity
Varus or valgus knee deformity affect the alignment of the knee and the distribution of stress on the knee joint. Varus or valgus knee deformities can affect the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis Treatments
There are several osteoarthritis treatments. The benefits and risks of medication versus non-medication osteoarthritis treatments must be weighed. Osteoarthritis treatments must be individualized.
Cyclooxygenase: COX-1 & COX-2
Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that is responsible for the formation of prostanoids (i.e., prostaglandins, prostacyclin, thromboxane). There are two, if not three, known types of cyclooxygenase (COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3).
Hand Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the hand can be painful and disabling. Stiffness, swelling, and pain are typical symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the hand. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment for osteoarthritis of the hand.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, most common among people over 65 years old, can affect people of any age. Over 21 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis.
Finger Osteoarthritis
Finger osteoarthritis can be painful and disabling. Stiffness, swelling, and pain are typical symptoms associated with finger osteoarthritis. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of finger osteoarthritis.
What is an Osteotomy?
There are several joint surgeries that can reduce pain and restore function in the affected joint. Osteotomy is one of the lesser-known joint procedures. Some patients may be candidates for osteotomy rather than a total joint replacement.
Local Steroid Injections
Steroid injections help reduce localized joint swelling associated with osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis. Steroid injections treat the precise location of the inflammation. Steroid injections, as opposed to oral steroids, can deliver a higher dose of medication.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis is important. Osteoarthritis diagnosis precedes consideration of effective treatment options. Learn about osteoarthritis diagnosis.
Neck Osteoarthritis
The primary symptom of neck osteoarthritis is neck pain. There are many causes of neck pain however, so doctors must assess symptoms and perform diagnostic tests to rule out other causes before diagnosing neck osteoarthritis.
10 Ways to Manage OA Pain
Osteoarthritis pain impacts more than 21 million Americans. It's important to find effective ways to manage chronic osteoarthritis pain.
25 Osteoarthritis Treatments
Various osteoarthritis treatments are recommended to patients searching for relief from osteoarthritis symptoms. Patients are often confused by so many treatment options though. Researchers have ranked the most effective osteoarthritis treatments.
What is Baker's Cyst
A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled sac located behind the knee. A Baker's cyst can swell, shrink or even rupture. Learn what you should be doing to treat a Baker's cyst.
Mobic - What You Need to Know
Mobic, generic name meloxicam, is one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients should follow directions for the safe use of Mobic and should be aware of potential side effects.
What Is Osteo Bi-Flex?
Osteo Bi-Flex is a dietary supplement that contains glucosamine and chondroitin. Osteo Bi-Flex is one of the popular brand name sources of these two supplements which improve joint strength, joint mobility, and relieve joint pain.
Heberden's Nodes
Heberden's nodes are associated with osteoarthritis. While not everyone with the disease develops Heberden's nodes, they are more commonly associated with primary osteoarthritis rather than secondary osteoarthritis.
NSAIDs for Arthritis
NSAIDs, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are among the most commonly prescribed arthritis medications. NSAIDs are used to treat inflammation and pain. It's important to follow safety warnings associated with NSAID use.
Hip Osteoarthritis - Test Your Knowledge
Take our quiz about the basic facts of hip osteoarthritis.
Knee Brace for Knee OA
Knee braces can help relieve pain for some patients with knee osteoarthritis. By knowing which part of the knee is affected and by trying different types of knee braces, you may find both support and relief.
Thumb Osteoarthritis
Thumb osteoarthritis can be painful and can affect normal hand movements, such as pinching and gripping. Stiffness, swelling, and pain are symptoms associated with thumb osteoarthritis. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of thumb osteoarthritis.
Subchondral Sclerosis
Subchondral sclerosis is a medical term often seen on x-ray reports. What is subchondral sclerosis and how is it related to osteoarthritis?
Spine Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the spine. Osteoarthritis of the spine occurs when there are degenerative changes in the discs between the vertebrae. Early diagnosis and treatment help people with osteoarthritis of the spine manage their symptoms.
Arthritis Gloves
Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the fingers and hands. Arthritis gloves have been designed to warm the hands and decrease swelling and stiffness through mild compression. Arthritis gloves can be worn all day and all night.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is a surgical option to treat knee pain caused by arthritis. If pain cannot be controlled by conservative measures and it is very difficult to perform usual daily activities, you may be a candidate for total knee replacement.
Hyaluronan Injections for OA
Injections of hyaluronan are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid is a thick fluid injected to cushion the knee joint after cartilage breaks down.
Osteoarthritis Explained
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is recognized as the most crippling or disabling type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (also referred to as degenerative joint disease or wear-and-tear arthritis) is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis and it is also classified as an autoimmune disease.
Arthrodesis - Joint Fusion
Arthrodesis is a type of joint surgery. Arthrodesis, commonly called joint fusion, surgically eliminates the affected joint by fusing the ends of the bones in the joint. Learn more about arthrodesis.
Topical Creams: Arthritis Pain
Topical creams provide an alternative to oral medications for patients trying to get relief from arthritis pain. It's important to understand how topical creams work to ensure safe use.
What Is an Unloader Knee Brace
An unloader knee brace can help relieve pain and symptoms associated with unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis -- osteoarthritis that is primarily located in the medial or lateral aspect of the knee. An unloader brace does exactly what it's name suggests -- it unloads stress from the affected knee.
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is a surgical option to treat hip pain caused by arthritis. If pain cannot be controlled by conservative measures and it is very difficult to walk and perform usual daily activities, you may be a candidate for total hip replacement.
Cartilage Regeneration
Cartilage regeneration attempts to restore damaged articular (joint) cartilage. Several techniques have been used for cartilage regeneration. While it has been performed in Europe, cartilage regeneration is, for the most part, experimental in the United States.
Diet and Osteoarthritis
There are contradictory reports about the effect of diet on osteoarthritis. Patients are typically interested in finding out what changes to their diet may increase or decrease osteoarthritis symptoms. Learn more about known scientific conclusions regarding diet and osteoarthritis.
Hallux Rigidus - Overview
Hallux rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis. Hallux rigidus usually affects adults between 30 and 60 years of age and results from prior high school sports injuries.
Pycnogenol Relieves OA
Pycnogenol is an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. Pycnogenol has been shown to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms by 56%.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder can affect the two joints in the shoulder area - the acromioclavicular joint and the glenohumeral joint. The shoulder joints also can be affected by rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Learn more about osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
Joint Space Narrowing
Joint space narrowing can be seen on x-rays -- a common diagnostic procedure for evaluating arthritis. Joint space narrowing correlates with worsening osteoarthritis.
What Is Synvisc-One?
Synvisc-One is a single injection version of Synvisc. Instead of 3 intra-articular injections required of Synvisc -- only one is needed with Synvisc-One.
Knee OA Treatments
Treatment recommendations for knee osteoarthritis have been issued by the AAOS (American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons). The guidelines focus on treatments for knee osteoarthritis that are less invasive than knee replacement surgery.
4 Stages to Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery is often delayed by patients who can't wrap their mind around the procedure itself and the rehab that follows. A study from Kent State University looked at initial reasons why knee replacement surgery is put off.
Joint Protection Advice
Joint protection can reduce stress on arthritic joints and decrease pain. There are several joint protection principles, which if followed, will help to conserve energy and preserve joint function.
Erosive Osteoarthritis
Erosive osteoarthritis is sometimes called inflammatory osteoarthritis. Erosive osteoarthritis is a subset of general osteoarthritis and can be initially confused with other inflammatory types of arthritis.
Foot Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the foot can be painful and disabling. Stiffness, swelling, and pain are typical symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the foot, depending on the joint affected. Walking and balance may also be affected. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment for osteoarthritis of the foot.
Osteoarthritis Medications
Osteoarthritis medications are prescribed primarily to control pain. There are fewer osteoarthritis medications than medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Learn about osteoarthritis medication options.
Celebrex Information
Celebrex, generic name celecoxib, is one of the COX-2 inhibitors (also known as a COX-2 selective NSAID) used to treat osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis. Patients should follow directions for the safe use of Celebrex and should be aware of potential side effects.
Dietary Supplements for OA
Dietary supplements are popular alternatives for osteoarthritis treatment. Dietary supplements such as glucosamine, SAM-e, MSM, turmeric, and ginger are touted as effective. Is there clear evidence that the dietary supplements are safe and effective in the longterm though?
Early Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Early osteoarthritis symptoms typically involve a single joint. When only one joint is affected, it is referred to as monoarthritis. It's most important at the onset of symptoms to distinguish if the cause is osteoarthritis or other types monoarthritis.
Hand Osteoarthritis - Test Your Knowledge
Take our quiz about the basic facts of hand osteoarthritis.
Patellofemoral Joint
The patellofemoral joint is one of the three compartments of the knee. What bones form the patellofemoral joint?
What Is Hemarthrosis?
Hemarthrosis is bleeding in a joint. Several conditions can cause hemarthrosis -- a common cause of monoarticular joint pain and swelling.
Osteoarthritis and Disability
Osteoarthritis can lead to disability. While working can become very difficult for people with osteoarthritis, is it just as difficult to get Social Security Disability benefits? Knowing how disability is awarded is helpful.
What Is Joint Juice?
Joint Juice is a liquid (juice-based) dietary supplement. Glucosamine and vitamin C are main ingredients in Joint Juice.
What Is FAI?
Femoroacetabular impingement is a condition that involves the ball (femur) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint. There are two types of femoroacetabular impingement -- cam and pincer impingement. Femoroacetabular impingement can be an important factor in the development of hip osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis risk factors point out why osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. The prevalence of osteoarthritis correlates with older age. Learn about other osteoarthritis risk factors.
Pilates Soothes Osteoarthritis
Pilates is a type of exercise that is not too aggressive for osteoarthritis patients. Pilates helps build a strong core, which helps soothe osteoarthritis pain.
Massage Therapy Relieves Pain
Massage therapy is an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. Many patients find massage therapy soothing and pain-relieving. There are things you need to know about massage therapy so it can be safe and effective for you.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery is recommended to relieve arthritis pain and restore joint function when other treatment options fail. Joint replacement surgery is considered a successful, safe, and reliable treatment option.
Partial Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is a highly successful surgery, but it is not the only surgical treatment option for knee osteoarthritis -- some patients are candidates for partial knee replacement. Are you a candidate for total knee replacement or partial knee replacement?
What Is the Prognosis for OA?
With every diagnosis, there is a prognosis. The osteoarthritis prognosis is not necessarily what you would expect it to be. Osteoarthritis is not a rapidly progressive disease for everyone — and some patients actually stabilize.
Prevent Osteoarthritis: 6 Tips
There are certain factors that make osteoarthritis prevention possible. The best advice for osteoarthritis prevention is to maintain ideal body weight. Read about other important ways to help prevent osteoarthritis.
Proper Body Mechanics
Body mechanics pertain to the position of your body when its moving. Proper body mechanics are important for everyone and especially for people with arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions.
ASU for Osteoarthritis
Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) have been shown in clinical studies to have beneficial effects on osteoarthritis. Avocado soybean unsaponifiables are a natural vegetable extract made from avocado and soybean oils.
10 Facts About Analgesics
Analgesics are medications used to relieve pain. They are commonly called painkillers. There are non-narcotic analgesics and narcotic analgesics. There are 10 things you should know about analgesics.
Ankle Osteoarthritis
Ankle osteoarthritis can be painful and disabling. Stiffness, swelling, and pain are typical symptoms associated with ankle osteoarthritis. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of ankle osteoarthritis.
Kneeling After Knee Surgery
The kneeling position is essential to many daily living activities and in certain occupations. Kneeling is also an intermediate position used by older adults as they get up from the floor.
Water Exercise Helps OA
Water exercise is usually performed in a therapeutic pool heated to 92-98 F and includes aerobic activities, stretching and strengthening, and range of motion exercises. Water exercise is also called pool therapy or hydrotherapy.
Heat or Cold for OA
Thermotherapy involves applying heat, and cryotherapy involves applying cold, to affected joints for relief of osteoarthritis symptoms. Researchers have compared thermotherapy and cryotherapy to a placebo to find which is more effective, heat or cold.
What Is MAKOplasty?
Not all arthritis patients are candidates for partial knee or hip replacement. Why do surgeons feel uncomfortable with the unicompartmental procedure? MAKOplasty may offer more precise and consistent results for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. What is MAKOplasty?
Cause of OA Pain in a Joint?
Osteoarthritis pain is the most common and significant symptom associated with the disease. Osteoarthritis is characterized by wear-and-tear of cartilage. Since cartilage has no nerves or blood supply, what's causing the osteoarthritis pain?
10 Facts About SAM-e
SAM-e, which stands for S-adenosylmethionine, is produced in the liver from methionine. SAM-e is a popular dietary supplement used for osteoarthritis. SAM-e is thought to increase chondrocytes and cartilage thickness, and it may help decrease chondrocyte damage.
Knee Taping - Treatment for OA
Knee taping is among the recommended treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. Therapeutic knee taping has been shown to reduce pain and disability associated with knee osteoarthritis.
Bouchard's Nodes
Bouchard's nodes are associated with osteoarthritis. While not everyone with the disease develops Bouchard's nodes, they are more commonly associated with hand osteoarthritis.
What Is a Sock Aid?
A sock aid is an assistive device that helps you put on socks. Arthritis patients with physical limitations that make it difficult to reach their feet may find a sock aid extremely helpful.
OA Causes Joint Pain
Joint pain is the primary symptom associated with osteoarthritis. Any joint can be affected by the disease. Learn more about how osteoarthritis leads to joint pain and affects the joints in other ways.
Herbal Remedies for OA
Herbal remedies are popular alternative treatments for osteoarthritis. It's essential that you realize there may be problems with the safety of certain herbal remedies. Be cautious and always discuss herbal remedies with your doctor before using them.
What Is Chondrocalcinosis?
In chondrocalcinosis, calcium crystals (known also as CPPD or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals) accumulate in the cartilage of joints. Chondrocalcinosis is frequently associated with pseudogout, osteoarthritis, and pseudo-osteoarthritis. The condition may also be associated with more severe forms of arthritis. Chondrocalcinosis affects approximately 25% of the population. It can be found with and even worsen osteoarthritis.
Diacerein Modifies OA
Diacerein is an anti-inflammatory medication that works differently from the typical NSAIDS, like ibuprofen and naproxen. Diacerein blocks interleukin-1, as opposed to inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. Diacerein is not yet approved in the United States.
Osteoarthritis Warning Signs
There are certain warning signs of osteoarthritis that should not be ignored, especially if the signs and symptoms persist. Learn more about the warning signs of osteoarthritis.
Antioxidants Ward Off Knee OA
Antioxidants are not only available in supplements but they are found in plenty of healthy foods. A diet rich with antioxidants may ward off knee osteoarthritis.
ER Opioid Analgesics and OA
Extended-release opioid analgesics may be a convenient and effective treatment option for chronic osteoarthritis pain. When used appropriately, extended-release opioid analgesics can help manage osteoarthritis pain -- but be aware of possible adverse events and abuse potential with these drugs.
Physical Function in OA
Your doctor has likely asked you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10. It's obviously subjective, but even so, your doctor can get a sense of an increase or decrease in pain levels over time. But how is physical function assessed? How is it determined that you have worsening physical function?
Arthrocentesis & Knee OA
Arthrocentesis is used to diagnose and establish the cause for monoarthritis (arthritis in a single joint) or polyarthritis (arthritis in many joints). Arthrocentesis is also used as a treatment to drain large amounts of fluid in a joint and at the same time inject the joint with a corticosteroid.
Osteoarthritis Quiz - True or False?
Take this quiz about the basic facts of osteoarthritis.
Therapeutic Exercise for OA
Therapeutic exercise is recommended as part of any treatment regimen for osteoarthritis. The goal of therapeutic exercise is to improve physical function and reduce pain and disability for osteoarthritis patients. Which type of therapeutic exercise is most effective?
Diclofenac Patch Relieves Pain
A diclofenac patch, known as the Flector Patch, is a topical alternative to oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The diclofenac patch was FDA-approved in January 2007 and marketed in 2008.
Wrist Osteoarthritis
Wrist osteoarthritis can be painful and disabling. Stiffness, swelling, and pain are typical symptoms associated with wrist osteoarthritis. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment for wrist osteoarthritis.
Footwear and Osteoarthritis
Footwear can directly impact knee osteoarthritis by affecting the load or stress put on your knee joint. A shoe has even been designed that mimics walking barefoot -- and that has been compared to conventional footwear. What footwear is best and worst for osteoarthritis?
Insoles May Ease Knee Pain
Special insoles can help reduce pain associated with medial component (inner) knee osteoarthritis. The insoles, known as lateral-wedge insoles, lessen pain by changing the biomechanics of the knee.
Aids for Osteoarthritis
Arthritis aids are specially designed adaptive equipment which make up for lost strength and lost mobility. Osteoarthritis can cause physical limitations which interfere with usual daily activities. Arthritis aids can compensate for physical limitations, allowing the person with osteoarthritis to remain as independent as possible.
Criteria to Diagnose Knee OA
Six criteria diagnose knee osteoarthritis accurately. The criteria include three signs and three symptoms that, when present, diagnose knee osteoarthritis 99% of the time.
What Is Cartilage Loss?
Cartilage loss is defined by a decrease in cartilage volume and thickness -- and an increase in bare bone area. Cartilage loss occurs after cartilage wears away or deteriorates.
When Should You Ask a Doctor?
When osteoarthritis patients experience early symptoms, they tend to think it's ordinary aches and pains. When symptoms persist, it's time to ask a doctor. Here are guidelines which suggest when it's time to ask a doctor.
Nintendo Wii Is Therapeutic
Nintendo Wii was designed as an innovative, next generation video game. Nintendo Wii has found a higher purpose though, being used in physical therapy and rehab situations for people with physical limitations.
Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis
Acupuncture has become a popular alternative treatment. With acupuncture, needles are inserted into specific anatomical points on the body. Researchers have studied the effectiveness of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections are one of the treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. What about the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections for the hip?
What Is TENS?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used to treat chronic pain, such as osteoarthitis. The effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as a treatment option for chronic pain relief has been questioned by researchers.
Rose Hips for Osteoarthritis
Rose hips are the seed pods of roses. A powder, made from the rose hips of Rosa canina, is more effective than placebo for arthritis pain relief.
Osteoarthritis Supplements
Many osteoarthritis patients are intrigued by natural remedies, including supplements. There are plenty of osteoarthritis supplements from which to choose. Learn about osteoarthritis supplements and discuss your options with your doctor.
Osteoarthritis & Inflammation
Inflammation is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other types of inflammatory arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is usually explained as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, but is it also tied to inflammation?
What Is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is one of several joint surgeries that can reduce pain and restore function in the affected joint. Arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure. Learn more about arthroscopy.
What Is Advil?
Advil tablets are recommended for headache, muscle aches, backache, and minor arthritis pain. Learn more about Advil.
Top Electric Blankets
Electric blankets
Acetaminophen - Best for OA?
Acetaminophen is a popular analgesic medication used to treat osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis pain. Patients are often confused by their treatment options though. Is acetaminophen more effective than NSAIDs for osteoarthritis?
Cold Weather and Osteoarthriti
Cold weather can exacerbate osteoarthritis pain. Remembering a few common sense tips can help people with arthritis survive cold weather -- and possibly even enjoy the winter season.
Aging and Osteoarthritis
Aging is a known risk factor for developing osteoarthritis. The disease is often explained as the result of wear and tear on the joints, but there may be a more thorough explanation of what happens to cartilage during the aging process to cause osteoarthritis.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition caused by the gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae of the spine. The degeneration of the disc that occurs in Degenerative Disc Disease is also referred to as spondylosis.
Non-drug Treatments for OA
Non-drug treatments for osteoarthritis have gained popularity. Some patients shy away from using prescription drugs to manage their osteoarthritis -- often because they fear side effects. Check into non-drug treatments for osteoarthritis to see if any are appropriate for you.
All About Cartilage
When you are diagnosed with osteoarthritis, your doctor may launch into a discussion about cartilage damage or cartilage being worn away. What exactly is cartilage? What causes cartilage loss? Can cartilage be restored?
Fatigue and Osteoarthritis
Fatigue is typically associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Fatigue is not typically related to osteoarthritis -- or is it? Fatigue in osteoarthritis is not routinely evaluated in the doctor's office and it has been the focus of only a few studies.
Will Rest Ease OA Pain
Will rest improve osteoarthritis pain and other symptoms? Most often you hear about the importance of remaining physically active. But is it as important to rest to decrease osteoarthritis pain?
Resistance Exercise Helps OA
Resistance exercise can improve muscle strength and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Many people with knee osteoarthritis also experience decreased pain with resistance exercise.
Generalized Osteoarthritis
Generalized osteoarthritis is yet another subset of osteoarthritis. Most people know the meaning of primary osteoarthritis or secondary osteoarthritis, but generalized osteoarthritis is a lesser known term.
Heat Wraps Soothe Arthritis
Heat wraps help treat arthritis pain and joint stiffness. There are various heat wraps designed to soothe specific joints.
Flannel Pajamas Warm Joints
Flannel pajamas are popular for two reasons -- they are soft and they are warm. Cozy, comfy, all those words apply too. But there is even more reason to wear flannel pajamas if you have osteoarthritis. Flannel pajamas keep joints and muscle warm, possibly reducing joint stiffness and joint pain.
Supple - What You Need to Know
Supple is a liquid dietary supplement that touts its ability to lubricate, comfort, and rebuild your joints. Supple is prominently marketed "As Seen On TV." Learn more about what's in Supple.
Elbow Osteoarthritis
Elbow osteoarthritis can be painful and disabling. Stiffness, swelling, and pain are typical symptoms associated with elbow osteoarthritis. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of elbow osteoarthritis.
Overweight With Osteoarthritis
Overweight is a risk factor for osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee. With osteoarthritis being a painful and disabling condition, are people seriously looking at their weight to help control osteoarthritis?
Exercise & Knee OA Risk
Regular exercise is a recommendation for better health, especially for middle-aged and older adults. The effect of weight-bearing exercise on older adults and people who are overweight was considered. Does exercise prevent or provoke osteoarthritis in certain patients?
Reasons for Hip Revision
Hip revision is more common than you think. Beyond mechanical failure of the hip prosthesis, there are other reasons that can lead to hip revision. Learn more about hip revision.
Self-Assessment - How Well Are You Managing Your Osteoarthritis?
Take this self-assessment quiz about how well you manage your osteoarthritis.
External Fixation Knee Brace
An external fixation brace for the knee can be used for joint distraction and to delay the need for knee replacement surgery. Wearing an external fixation brace for two months provides pain relief and improved physical function.
Diet and Exercise Benefit OA
Diet and exercise are important aspects of managing osteoarthritis but neither is a cure. You should consult your doctor for appropriate diet and exercise regimens to help manage your osteoarthritis symptoms.
Laser Therapy for OA
Laser therapy was introduced as a non-invasive treatment option for osteoarthritis nearly 30 years ago. Studies have produced inconsistent results regarding laser therapy for osteoarthritis. One study concludes there is a strong placebo effect associated with laser therapy.
What Is Aleve?
Aleve is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Aleve contains naproxen as its active ingredient.
Osteoarthritis Onset
Osteoarthritis onset of symptoms is typically described as being gradual. Symptoms usually develop over time rather than suddenly. But is osteoarthritis onset always gradual?
Cartilage Degeneration Cause
Researchers have long tried to determine what causes cartilage degeneration associated with osteoarthritis. A breakthrough by scientists points to the loss of a specific protein from the surface layer of cartilage in joints.
Tips for Walker Use
Proper walker use is important. The correct height for your walker, good grips, and good posture ensure appropriate walker use.
Cane Use Helps Knee OA
Cane use can help reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis progression, according to researchers. Knees are the most common joint affected by osteoarthritis. Using a cane takes stress off of the knee. By reducing the risk of knee osteoarthritis progression, it also helps prevent disability.
MRI Needed for OA Diagnosis?
MRI scans are being ordered in excess, according to some experts. In certain cases, a much less expensive, routine x-ray is just as telling as an MRI. Is an MRI needed to diagnose osteoarthritis?
Knox NutraJoint for Knee OA
Knox NutraJoint is a dietary supplement that may improve joint health in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Gelatine is the primary active ingredient in Knox Nutrajoint, along with other nutrients important for bone and joint health.
What Is Move Free?
Move Free is a supplement that touts being able to comfort sore joints in less than 7 days. Learn more about Move Free.
Living Alone With OA
Advanced osteoarthritis can cause severe physical limitations that make living alone a bad idea. Though elderly people want to remain independent for as long as possible -- it can become unsafe to continue living alone.
What Is Severe Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis symptoms can range from mild to severe. With severe osteoarthritis, the cartilage that normally covers the joint erodes, leaving bone to rub on bone. As bone wears, joint deformity can develop. Severe osteoarthritis can have disabling consequences.
Occupational Therapy and OA
Occupational therapy can help osteoarthritis patients lead more active lives. Having osteoarthritis can make exercise and regular physical activity challenging. A study has shown that occupational therapy helps patients increase their level of physical activity.
Smoking and Osteoarthritis
Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis as well as having a negative impact on health in general. Interestingly, some studies found smoking to have a protective effect against osteoarthritis.
Devil's Claw for OA
Devil's claw is a shrub that is native to Southern Africa. It has lush foliage and red flowers. It is named Devil's claw because of tiny hooks that cover its fruit. As a modern, popular supplement, devil's claw is used to treat degenerative joint diseases, like osteoarthritis.
Herbal Supplements for OA
Herbal supplements are gaining popularity among osteoarthritis patients -- but there is a lot you should know about each of the herbal supplements before buying and trying them. Learn more about herbal supplements used to treat osteoarthritis.
Benefits of Hip Replacement
Hip replacement improves quality of life. Study results reveal that the benefits of hip replacement can be realized by patients of any age -- even those in their 80s and 90s. Even so, many osteoarthritis patients who would likely benefit from hip replacement choose not to have the surgery.
Tapentadol for Osteoarthritis
Tapentadol immediate release tablets have been FDA approved for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain in adults 18 years and older. Tapentadol is a centrally-acting synthetic analgesic.
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