What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common chronic joint disease, which is mainly manifested by the gradual degeneration of articular cartilage, bone hyperplasia at the joint margins, and related joint pain and limited mobility. Its etiology involves many aspects, including genetic factors, environment and lifestyle, physiological aging and pathological injuries. Osteoarthritis can be actively managed through drug therapy, lifestyle adjustment and physical therapy.

1) Genetic factors:

Studies have shown that the onset of osteoarthritis may have a certain genetic tendency. If there is a family member with osteoarthritis, the risk of other members of the family may also increase. Genetically related abnormal joint morphology or cartilage function may be one of the inducing factors. For such high-risk groups, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight in daily life and avoid long-term overuse of joints.

2) Environment and lifestyle:

Obesity and overuse of joints are important environmental factors for osteoarthritis. Being overweight increases the burden on joints, especially the knee and hip joints, causing cartilage wear. Occupations that require long periods of standing, bending, and lifting heavy objects, such as construction workers or porters, also increase the risk of developing the disease. It is recommended to pay attention to the protection of joints in daily life, such as taking regular rest, avoiding excessive loads, and controlling weight through a balanced diet and moderate exercise.

3) Physiological aging:

Osteoarthritis is common in middle-aged and elderly people. As age increases, the elasticity and cushioning capacity of articular cartilage decreases, bone density decreases, and joint diseases are more likely to occur. Although age cannot be changed, maintaining flexible joint activities is still the key. For example, regular low-intensity joint exercises such as swimming, yoga or cycling can exercise joint flexibility and alleviate degenerative changes.

4) Trauma and pathological damage:

Long-term trauma to joints, joint surgery, or joint damage caused by other diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) are common causes of osteoarthritis. For example, repeated knee sprains and hip joint diseases are likely to induce related symptoms. If trauma occurs, please seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible and perform functional exercises according to rehabilitation needs to avoid recurrence or aggravation of symptoms.

Treatments include:

-Medication: such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain, or drugs such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to maintain cartilage health.

-Physical therapy: Relieve joint discomfort through heat, laser, and ultrasound treatments.

-Surgical treatment: In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery to clean the diseased tissue or joint replacement surgery can be performed.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that cannot be completely cured, but it can be effectively controlled through active intervention and scientific management. Early detection and targeted measures based on the cause can not only improve the quality of life, but also effectively delay joint degeneration. If you experience obvious joint pain, swelling or limited mobility, please consult a professional doctor in time.