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Osteoarthritis is abbreviated as OA.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints.
Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the common condition now-a-days. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males.
After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. TYPES Primary osteoarthritis: If the cause of osteoarthritis is not known, it is referred to primary osteoarthritis.
Secondary osteoarthritis: When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. CAUSES Primary osteoarthritis:
Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging.
With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates.
Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by forming tiny crevasses.
In advanced cases, there is a total loss of cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints. Repetitive use of the worn joints over the years can irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility.
Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone outgrowths (spurs, also referred to as osteophytes) to form around the joints. Osteoarthritis occasionally can develop in multiple members of the same family, implying a hereditary (genetic) basis for this condition. Secondary osteoarthritis: Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by another disease condition.
Conditions that can lead to secondary osteoarthritis include
Obesity- causes osteoarthritis by increasing the mechanical stress on the cartilage. Repeated trauma or surgery to the joint structures
Abnormal joints at birth (congenital abnormalities)
Gout
Diabetes and
Other hormone disorders.
SYMPTOMS
The main symptom is acute pain which is a sharp aching one.
Swelling
Joint stiffness
Crepitus (a crackling noise on moving the joint)
In smaller joints such as at the fingers hard bony enlargements are formed namely
Heberden's nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and
Bouchard's nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints
OA at the toes leads to the formation of bunions. DIAGNOSIS Blood tests to exclude the diseases that cause secondary osteoarthritis
X- rays
Arthrocentesis
Arthroscopy TREATMENT Conservative measures are
Rest
Exercise
Diet control for weight reduction
Physical and occupational therapy and
Mechanical support devices.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that are used to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint Surgery is generally for those patients with osteoarthritis that is particularly severe and unresponsive to the conservative treatments. HOMEOPATHIC THERAPEUTICS RHUSTAX: Mainly for right side joint affections
Lameness,stiffness and pains are well-marked
Restlessness is the main feature
Aggravated by first movement and on getting up in the morning
Relief by continous motion
BRYONIA: All complaints develop slowly
Great thirst and excessive of mucus membranes are main features
Pains are of tearing type
Aggravated at night time and by movements
Relieved by absolute rest
MERC SOL: General weakness is present
Pains worse at night and pressure
Pains are relieved by rest
AURUM TRIPHYLLUM: Constant picking of nose and lips until they bleed is the characteristic feature
Pains are aggravated by lying down
PHYTOLLACCA: Mainly affects the right side of the body
Pains are like electric shock, lancinating from one place to anoth Aggravation from motion and warm application
Relieved by rest
Dr Guptha, Director for the medical coding services and medical coding training
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