If you are getting to a certain age where you start to have painful and stiff joints, you may a condition called osteoarthritis. Also called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis affects millions of adults.
The condition refers to inflammation in the joints and is often the result of wearing down of the cartilage that supports the smooth movement of joints. The common symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are pain, swelling, tingling, and weakness in the affected joint. It can also negatively impact joint function and limit your mobility.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis usually affects joints such as the hip, knee, and lower back. Here are some of the most common causes of osteoarthritis:
Aging
As you age, you will experience a variety of changes in your body as its structures change and wear down. This includes your joints. Cartilage deteriorates as you age because it becomes less hydrated and due to continuous wear and tear from years of use. This is why as you get older, your risk of osteoarthritis increases.
A History of Joint Injuries
A history of injuries in particular joints can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis in those joints later on in life. Repeat injuries weaken the structures in the joint, which may not be able to heal perfectly once again. As a result, the joint structures remain compromised and can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Overuse
Repetitive motions can speed up the degeneration of joints as a result of prolonged strain. People with occupations that require repetitive motions such as plumbers, construction workers, manufacturers, hair stylists, and typists are prone to overuse injuries that may contribute to osteoarthritis development. Athletes are also at high risk of developing osteoarthritis because they push their bodies to improve performance for years at a time, which can weaken the body’s structures.
Being Overweight
Excess weight adds stress to your load-bearing joints, such as the lower back, hips, knees, and ankles. As a result of continuous pressure on these joints, you increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Genetics
Your risk of osteoarthritis is also impacted by your family medical history. If you have blood relatives who have had osteoarthritis, your risk also increases.
Other Conditions
Finally, other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative disc disease, can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, as well. These conditions impact the structural health of your joints, which are important factors in the development of osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis increases your risk of osteoarthritis in any joint of your body, while degenerative disc diseases increases your risk specifically in the spine.
Effective Treatment for Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Michigan
At Tri-County Orthopedics, we provide quality orthopedic care and services to patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. We take a compassionate approach in helping our patients manage and treat their osteoarthritis symptoms, so they can return to an active and normal life. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are also experts in highly advanced surgical treatments.
Your trust and comfort matter to us. Schedule a consultation with our orthopedic doctors at Tri-County Orthopedics by calling (248) 474-5575 or sending an appointment request now.
