Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis The Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis is the affection of articular cartilage, along with the synovial fluid in the joint, permitting almost frictionless movement of joint bones at their points of contact. The frictional resistance of normal joints is the cartilage layer to absorb the shock associated with joint use. When weight is loaded onto the joint, the cartilage layer compresses. Once the weight is removed, the cartilage rebounds to its original dimensions. The articular cartilage …

…simple pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, and physiotherapy is also valuable in helping to strengthen muscle groups which stabilise and protect the affected joint. When weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees and ankles are involved it is important for overweight patients to loose weight, as this puts extra strain on these joints. Physicians make a diagnosis of OA based on a physical exam and history of symptoms. X-rays are used to confirm diagnosis.