Osteoarthritis refers to the most prevalent type of arthritis. Some individuals in the medical field also term it a degenerative joint disease. This condition affects the hips, knees, and hands. Osteoarthritis begins when the cartilage within your joint degenerates and changes occur in the underlying bone. If not treated on time, this condition can lead to unwanted symptoms like extreme pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States. [

According to a study, one cell abundant in the cellular infiltrates present within the inflamed synovium in Osteoarthritis is Macrophages. The cytokines (TNF- and IL-1) produced by macrophages are the key agents in cartilage degradation in Osteoarthritis. OA is divided into the following categories [

When you visit a medical health professional complaining of osteoarthritis symptoms, they may conduct a few lab tests and physical examinations to rule out the disease. The physical examinations include examining your joint movements and checking for symptoms like swelling.

The doctor will also investigate factors like your symptoms, medications you use, your medical history, and how the pain affects your day-to-day activities. Some tests that the doctor may advise you to diagnose OA include [

Osteoarthritis is classified into stages: 0 to 4. The severity of your Osteoarthritis determines what stage you are at. OA stages include [

Although uncommon, some individuals may develop hereditary Osteoarthritis if a member (parents, grandparents) in their family has Osteoarthritis. However, more research must be conducted on how a family's propensity to an elevated risk of developing Osteoarthritis is passed down through generations.

The hereditary types of Osteoarthritis occur due to gene mutations that are in charge of maintaining and forming the cartilage and bones. This form of Osteoarthritis may occur in an individual at an early age and progress to severe stages rapidly. However, scientists have not yet found a specific gene that may increase an individual's risk of developing OA. 

Furthermore, it is important to remember that although genes play a critical role in an individual developing OA, other risk factors include injuries, obesity, joint anatomy, etc. [

Osteoarthritis symptoms progress slowly and worsen over time. If you suspect you are experiencing the symptoms of Osteoarthritis, it is advisable to consult a medical health professional to get a proper diagnosis. An early diagnosis can help you manage the disease before it worsens.

Some common Osteoarthritis symptoms include [

The effects of Osteoarthritis may manifest in different ways in different parts of your body.

Some common signs of Osteoarthritis include: 

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Women vs. Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Men

The symptoms of Osteoarthritis are mostly similar for both men and women, with both groups experiencing joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort. The likelihood of developing OA increases with age in both men and women. 

However, evidence suggests that women are more likely to develop this disease than men. According to research, women between the ages of 50 and 60 are 350% more likely than males of the same age to get a hand osteoarthritis diagnosis. [

1 Note that here, we are using the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ to refer to male and female biological sex at birth, respectively.

Patients with Osteoarthritis risk factors are more likely to develop the disease. However, it is not always necessary that patients with one or more of these risk factors will develop OA. Moreover, in many cases, patients without any OA risk factors also end up with an OA diagnosis. Some common risk factors for OA include [

Some preventative measures that can help decrease your likelihood of developing OA include [

The prognosis for individuals with an OA diagnosis depends on factors like the levels of functional impairment and symptoms and the joints that the disease has impacted. Some people with OA are essentially unaffected. However, others with severe OA may endure substantial disability. [

Although most individuals with Osteoarthritis live a full life, patients with severe stages of the disease may be at an increased risk of death. According to a study, individuals with an OA diagnosis are more likely to die prematurely than individuals without the disease. Moreover, several studies have linked the lack of exercise and walking in individuals with OA to early death. [

Since scientists have yet to find a cure for OA, the treatment options focus on factors like decreasing unwanted symptoms and stopping the progression of the disease. Some common treatment options for Osteoarthritis include:

Your doctor may include more than one of the above treatments in your treatment plan, depending on the severity of your disease. [

Osteoarthritis is a common disease that affects a large percentage of individuals worldwide. The disease can cause severe joint pain and stiffness if left untreated, leading to lifelong disabilities. This is why it is critical for individuals experiencing OA symptoms to seek medical assistance immediately.

Osteoarthritis symptoms

Other Trials to Consider

TG-C

JointStem

Adipose-derived stem cell injection

Microfracture

Reparel knee sleeve

Micro Fragmented Adipose Tissue

Adductor Canal Catheter

Placebo

MISHA Knee System

Microfragmented Adipose Tissue

Popular Categories

Ecmo Clinical Trials 2023

Osteoarthritis Clinical Trials 2024

Lyme Disease Clinical Trials 2024

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials in Philadelphia, PA

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials in Houston, TX

Breast Cancer Clinical Trials in Las Vegas, NV

Parkinson Clinical Trials 2024

Osteoarthritis Knee Clinical Trials 2024

Knee Osteoarthritis Clinical Trials 2024

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Clinical Trials 2023

Popular Guides

Learn More About These Treatments

Adenocard

Atelvia

Trental

Monoket

Prefest

Kemadrin

Artane

Alrex

Belbuca

Zylet