How to survive osteoarthritis this winter?

Winter’s cold has its terrible impact on the body. This season brings in its trail, cold, flu, skin dryness, flaking, wheezing and cough, joints and back pain, among others. In the old and middle aged with joint and knee pains, the winter season aggravates pains, evident as terrible joint pain, and unbearable joint stiffness. By following a set of precautions, diet norms and treatments, one can easily keep at bay joint pains and stiffness.

Symptoms

Winter season is a challenge for patients of osteoarthritis, which is marked by heavy to light pain in the joints and hip region. Osteoarthritis is marked by symptoms of painful joints, tenderness of joints, early morning joint stiffness, loss of flexibility, grating sensation and bone spurs.

Causes

Osteoporosis occurs due to wearing out of the cartilage that cushions the bone joints. Cartilage is a slippery tissue that allows for frictionless joint movement. So, when the cartilage is worn-out, the joint bones rub against each other, causing immense pain while walking or working.

Risk Factors & Complications

The aged, especially women are likely to develop osteoporosis. People who are obese are also likely to develop osteoporosis. Over weight puts stress on joints, hips and knees. The fat tissues produce proteins that are cause inflammation of the joints. Occupations and injuries also may cause damage to the joints leading to osteoarthritis. Hereditary factors, history of diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may also cause the risk of osteoarthritis. The complications of osteoporosis are evident as, mild to severe joint pain and stiffness making it difficult to perform day to day activities. Pain medication and knee replacement are advised as treatment for osteoarthritis.

Test & Diagnosis

Testing and diagnosis of osteoarthritis includes, close examination of the joints for swelling or redness. Detailed examination of the painful joints includes x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and lab tests. The x-ray shows cartilage loss and narrowed space between bones. MRI uses radio waves to study the condition of joints, and referred only in complicated cases. Lab tests like blood tests, and joint fluid tests helps to identify the causes of joint inflammation.

Treatment

The treatment for osteoarthritis includes medications, therapy and surgical procedure. Inflammation and pain are reduced by Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical and occupational therapies may help to increase the range of motion and reduce pain. The surgical procedure for osteoarthritis includes realignment of bones, and joint replacement. In addition to all these, quick relief from pain is achieved through cortisone shots and lubrication injections.

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