Last week, we introduced the disorder called Osteoarthritis. This disorder’s symptoms may be relieved or eased with physical therapy. Read along this week to discover risk factors of osteoarthritis and more.

Risk factors of Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis can cause an array of symptoms. In our last blog, we shared these symptoms, so check that out if you did not yet get a chance. After that, come back for more information.

We understand this disorder can be very painful. Life’s normal day-to-day tasks can be very challenging. The pain can direct people to become more sedentary.

However, being still for too long can then cause more symptoms. Staying inactive too long can cause stiffness. In turn, this will cause pain too.

For this type of arthritis, it is important to have activity throughout the day. For those with health issues, being active for long periods of time may not be an option resulting stiffness. Because of this, old age is the first risk factor, and the risk increases with age.

Although it is not clear why, women are more at risk for developing osteoarthritis. Obesity can cause this disorder as well. The more overweight a person is, the more at risk they become. Add weight to your body’s load can add pressure to your weight-bearing joints.

Who is at risk?:

These joints include the hips and knees. Fat tissues also produce proteins which can cause harmful inflammation around the joints. Keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight is at the person’s advantage, so focus on these two risk factors at home.

Of course, joint injures such as those in car accidents or sports can put a person at risk for osteoarthritis. Even injures that seem to have healed great on their own may cause arthritis years later. Repeated pressure on joints during sports can put a person at risk too.

Repetitive pressure on a specific joint may cause the cartilage to be worn down, which is arthritis. Unfortunately, sometimes it is up to genetics. Osteoarthritis can be hereditary.

Some people are born with joint abnormalities or defective cartilage. For this reason, they may be swift to develop osteoarthritis. Having certain diseases which cause the body to produce too much iron or diabetes can make a person more at risk as well. If you are at risk and feel joint pain, call ProCare for a consultation.

Osteoarthritis treatment:

As a result of untreated osteoarthritis, people often become depressed. The cycle of feeling stiff, walking around, feeling pressure on the joint, and lastly, feeling in pain once again can become quite depressing. People often feel discouraged to move around.

Nonetheless, it is best to avoid long periods of being inactive. Of course, sleep in very necessary, but napping may need to be avoided for those with osteoarthritis. Napping is correlated with depression, but with the right treatment plan, hope is on the way.

Osteoarthritis treatment does not consist of a magic pill or one simple answer. This disorder requires effort in multiple areas of a patient’s life. If you would like the pain to be tended to, diagnosis must come first.

While a doctor examines a patient for osteoarthritis, a physical exam is usually the first step. The doctor will check for swelling, tenderness, redness, and lack of flexibility. A quick X-ray is also perfect for diagnosis.

Although cartilage does not show up on X-rays, the absence of cartilage does. Instead, the doctor will see a narrowing of space between the bones in the joint. Next time you stop by, you will learn about the different options for treating this pain and regaining flexibility along with range of motion.

Be sure to call today to make an appointment. We hope you are staying safe and healthy. Have a great week!

Staff Writer