More than 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), a painful, degenerative joint disease that often involves the hips, knees, neck, lower back or small joints of the hands. OA most typically occurs in joints that have been injured by repeated overuse from performing a particular task, playing a favorite sport, or from carrying around excess body weight. Such repeated impact thins or wears away the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the joint. Once the cartilage is gone, bones rub together, causing a grating sensation. Joint flexibility is reduced, bony spurs develop and the joint swells.
Usually, joints affected by osteoarthritis ache or become painful or stiff first thing in the morning, or during or after use. They may also be stiff after periods of inactivity. It's important to remain physically active—even if your joints "complain" as you begin.
Exercise keeps joints moving, which helps them stay lubricated. It also builds strength in the muscles surrounding the affected joint, so they can support it. Combined with a healthy diet, exercise also contributes to weight loss, which can be critical to preventing further wear on affected joints.
A 2005 study in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that among overweight and obese adults with knee osteoarthritis, each pound they lost took four pounds of pressure off their affected knees. Losing 10 pounds would take 40 pounds of pressure off your knees.
Treatment usually includes analgesics, topical creams or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, appropriate exercises or physical therapy. Maintaining a healthy weight may be critical to reducing painful symptoms. At some point joint splinting, or joint replacement surgery for seriously damaged larger joints such as the knee or hip, may be recommended.
Pathways to Well Being Call VITAL WorkLife at 800.383.1908 or access resources through your VITAL WorkLife App
