Osteoarthritis
is one
of the
types of
arthritis
that is
caused
due to
degeneration
and
eventually
loss of
the
cartilage
of
joints.
Cartilage
is a
tissue
that
covers
the
inside
of the
joints
and acts
as a
cushion
between
the two
bones
forming
a joint.
When the
cartilage
starts
undergoing
degeneration,
the bone
becomes
inflamed
as its
protective
covering
is lost. This causes pain during weight bearing activities such as standing, walking, etc.
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Joint
structure
Causes:
Osteoarthritis
occurs
commonly
as a
person
ages and
it is
frequently
seen in
persons
above
the age
of 55
years
though
it can
also
occur
earlier
than
this.
Before
the age
of 45
years,
it is
more
common
in
males.
Genetic
predisposition
also is
one
common
cause
for
osteoarthritis.
This
condition
usually
affects
the
weight
bearing
joints
such as
the
knees
and
hips; it
can also
affect
other
joints
such as
those of
the
hands,
feet and
the
spine. |
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OA
knees:
When the
osteoarthritis
is due
to
ageing
process
it is
known as
primary
osteoarthritis;
when
there
are
other
conditions
in the
background
that
have
triggered
this
disorder,
it is
known as
Secondary
osteoarthritis.
Secondary
osteoarthritis
can be
caused
by any
of the
following:
Trauma
Joint
surgery
Obesity
Congenital
anomalies
of the
joint
Gout
Diabetes
Hormonal
disorders
(especially
Growth
hormone
disorders)
Symptoms:
The
common
symptoms
of
Osteoarthritis:
Heberden's
nodes
Pain
and
stiffness
of the
affected
joint
Swelling
and
warmth
of the
joint
Creaking
of the
joint
Pain
is
usually
worse
after
repetitive
use of
the
joint
Stiffness
is
usually
worse
after a
long
period
of
inactivity
Pain
may
occur at
rest too
(in
severe
cases)
Limited
mobility
of
joints
Inabizity
to squat
Bony
enlargement
of small
joints
of
fingers
(called
Heberdens
nodules) |
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Spine
osteoarthritis
can
cause:
Neck
pain and
stiffness
Backache
Tingling
numbness
of
extremities
Homeopathic
treatment:
Osteoarthritis
is a
degenerative
joint
disease
where
the
pathological
changes
in the
joint
are
almost
irreversible.
Homeopathic
medicine
can
alleviate
the pain
significantly
but
cannot
cure the
disease
completely.
Most
cases
respond
well as
far as
the
long-term
pain
relief
is
concerned.
Homeopathic
medicines
are
definitely
suggested
for
osteoarthritis,
especially
for
early
cases
where
the
medicines
can slow
down the
degenerative
process
and
offer
considerable
pain
relief. |
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