Osteoarthritis: Most Popular Articles

Knee Osteoarthritis - Test Your Knowledge
Take this quiz about the basic facts of knee osteoarthritis.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis is important. Osteoarthritis diagnosis precedes consideration of effective treatment options. Learn about osteoarthritis diagnosis.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delaying Arthritis Treatment
By delaying osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment, joint damage can become severe and disabling. Osteoarthritis patients must face whatever causes them to procrastinate about getting quality medical care.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Calcitonin May Slow OA
Calcitonin may act as a disease-modifying drug and be able to decrease bone deterioration and increase bone density. Calcitonin is an amino acid hormone produced by the thyroid gland.

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.

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.

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?

Arthritis Aids for Arthritis
Osteoarthritis can cause physical limitations which interfere with usual daily activities. Arthritis aids can compensate for the physical limitations, allowing the person with osteoarthritis to remain as independent as possible. Arthritis aids are specially designed adaptive equipment which make up for lost strength and lost mobility.

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.

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?

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.

Workplace Stress Solutions
Workplace stress is expected for people working and suffering with osteoarthritis pain. Is there something people with osteoarthritis can do to lessen workplace stress? We consider actions that may help.

Coping Tips for Osteoarthritis
It can be difficult to cope with osteoarthritis symptoms that interfere with usual activities. Check out these coping tips for osteoarthritis patients.

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.

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?

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.

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?

Osteoarthritis - Articles
An index of Articles for the Osteoarthritis guide site.

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.

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?

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.

Football Hikes OA Risk
Football players get hit and tackled and hit hard again. Over the course of years the high impact sport takes its toll and osteoarthritis is often the result. What is it about football though that ties it to a high prevalence of osteoarthritis?

Overweight & Hand OA
Weightbearing joints affected by osteoarthritis can be burdened even more by being overweight or obese. Researchers have studied if being overweight affects non-weightbearing joints, like the hands.

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?

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.

Osteoarthritis Quiz - True or False?
Take this quiz about the basic facts of osteoarthritis.

Talk to Your Doctor!
When you talk to your doctor, what do you talk about? Do you find it difficult to talk to your doctor? Many patients don't share important information with their doctors and make a concerted effort to keep conversation light. If that's what you do, is enough being accomplished?