Osteoarthritis - Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment & self-help

1. Osteoarthritis - Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment & self-help • Source- http://physical-health-tips.blogspot.com/2017/04/osteoarthritis-symptoms-diagnosis.html

2. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include: • Your joint may hurt during or after movement. • Limits your range of movement • Tenderness in the affected joint • Joint stiffness, when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity. • Loss of flexibility

3. Affected joints are larger than usual • Joints are warm • Loss of muscle bulk • Experiencing a grating or crackling sound/sensation in the affected joint. • Bone spurs - a hard lumps form around the affected joint.

4. Factors that may increase the risk of osteoarthritis include: • Ageing • Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it isn't clear why. • Obesity • Joint injuries - playing sports or from an accident

5. Certain jobs or repetitive stress on a particular joint that may eventually develop osteoarthritis. • Genetics - 40% to 60% of cases of hand, hip and knee arthritis can have a genetic link. • Bone deformities - born with malformed joints or defective cartilage

6. Osteoarthritis Diagnosed • Medical history • Physical exam • X-rays • MRI Scans • Blood tests • Joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis)

7. Osteoarthritis treatment The 4 main goals of offering an Osteoarthritis treatment include, pain control therapy, improving joint functionality, maintaining a healthy body weight, and adapting a healthy lifestyle for long lasting benefits.

8. An effective Osteoarthritis treatment plan involves: • Exercise & Yoga • Physiotherapy • Weight control • Rest and joint care • Non-drug pain relief techniques to control pain • Medicines • Complementary and alternative therapies • Surgery

9. Note- This article is originally appeared on- http://physical-health-tips.blogspot.com/2017/04/osteoarthritis-symptoms-diagnosis.html