This condition is the most common form of age related degeneration of the joints and is
associated with inflammation as well as breakdown of cartilage. The knees and other
joints have a wearing and roughing of cartilage that is the cushion in all joints. The
cartilage becomes stiff and can wear or tear. Its normal function as a shock absorber
and lubricant is lost and pain and stiffness develops. Eventually bone rubs on bone.
Common symptoms include stiffness, limited range of motion, pain after periods of
inactivity, and after excessive activity. The joints can become enlarged, especially finger
joints. Changes in the weather often trigger a flare up of pain in arthritic joints.

Many factors have a bearing on your risk of developing osteoarthritis. As in all conditions, heredity plays a factor, but injury, overuse and excessive weight bearing from obesity all play a roll in joint degeneration and pain. Some diseases cause specific damage to the joints, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. If someone suffers from these conditions, there are specific therapies in addition to general arthritic treatments. Rheumatologists are often involved in these conditons.

Numerous treatments are available for this condition. Nearly everyone who has had joint pain has tried Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, or other anti-inflammatory agents. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine have helped many control pain and stiffness. Heat or cold treatments and gentle range of motion exercises are common treatments as well. In more advanced arthritis, diagnostic tests such as x-rays, MRIs, and arthroscopic evaluation and repair of joints can be tried. Other treatments include injections of commercial forms of hyaluronan, a thick viscous fluid that is normally found in the joints and acts as a lubricant. Some individuals use knee braces, neoprene support, or relay on canes and walkers to limit weight on the joints when walking. Knee and other joint replacement are available for advanced disease that is beyond medical management.

What can you do to limit the development of osteoarthritis? If cleared by your physician, weight or resistance training is one of the best therapies. The quadriceps and to a lesser extent hamstring muscles are shock absorbers of the body that save the knees. Weight training twice weekly helps promote cartilage deposition, strength, tendon maintenance, and diminish calcium or bone loss. Obesity is a killer for the knees and hips. For every pound of weight that is shed, four pounds of strain is lost to the knees.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) are the most common treatments. Side effects can include heartburn or ulcers, and renal impairment in those taking high doses for prolonged periods, especially the elderly. In an effort to minimize systemic side effects, studies are underway to approve topical application of this class of medications. This allows a full dose to the target joint, but only a fraction of the medication in the blood stream to affect the kidneys and stomach.