This disease affects 27 million Americans. We explain the basics of this disease, and what you can do to improve your lifestyle if you have osteoarthritis.
When our joints are healthy, we tackle the daily tasks of life with ease. For the 27 million Americans with osteoarthritis, ease of movement is something no longer taken for granted. Activities like opening jars, playing sports, and even taking an evening stroll become discouraging as affected joints become painful to use.
Many believe that this crippling disease is an inevitable part of aging, but this is not true. Over the last 15 years we’ve learned a great deal about how bones work, grow, rebuild, weaken and break—and about what we can do to maintain our joint health as we age.
Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by the breakdown of the joint cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones. As the cartilage deteriorates, bone begins to rub against bone, making movement painful. This disease can also damage ligaments and muscles. It occurs most often in knees, hips, and hands, although shoulders can also be affected.
There are two types of osteoarthritis: primary and secondary.
Primary osteoarthritis is generally associated with the wear and tear of aging, although it is not part of the normal aging process. Osteoarthritis is a disease, and the older you are, the more likely you are to have it.
Secondary osteoarthritis develops early in life, and is usually triggered by a specific cause that could include an injury or obesity.
Today, there are more treatments than ever before to help people with osteoarthritis. Physical or occupational therapists can teach patients exercises to protect their joints, reduce discomfort, and increase mobility through range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening, and better endurance and balance. In future blogs, we’ll be exploring the causes of osteoarthritis, as well as steps you can take to improve quality of life with this disease.
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
More resources for you
- Researchers Compare NSAIDs And Opioids For Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
- Workplace Tricks To Ease Arthritic Joints
