osteoarthritis

Question 1

what is it ?

Answer 1

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, a result of wear and tear of the joints and the ageing process

Question 2

symptoms

Answer 2

joint pain and stiffness, and problems moving the joint. Some people also have symptoms such as: - swelling - tenderness - grating or crackling sound when moving the affected joints.

Question 3

further symptoms

Answer 3

joint tenderness
increased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while
joints appearing slightly larger or more “knobbly” than usual
a grating or crackling sound or sensation in your joints
limited range of movement in your joints
weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk)

Question 4

causes

Answer 4

joint injury – overusing your joint when it has not had enough time to heal after an injury or operation
other conditions (secondary arthritis) – osteoarthritis can happen in joints severely damaged by a previous or existing condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
age – your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older.
family history – osteoarthritis may run in families, although studies have not identified a single gene responsible
obesity – being obese puts excess strain on your joints, particularly those that bear most of your weight, such as your knees and hips
being a woman – osteoarthritis is more common in women than men

Question 5

preventing / treatment

Answer 5

regular exercise
losing weight if you’re overweight
wearing suitable footwear
using special devices to reduce the strain on your joints during your everyday activities

Question 6

treatment recommended from a specialist

Answer 6

lifestyle measures – such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly
medication – to relieve your pain
supportive therapies – to help make everyday activities easier

Question 7

what are NSAIDs ?

Answer 7

NSAIDs are painkillers that work by reducing inflammation

Question 8

what are Opioids ?

Answer 8

Opioids, such as codeine, are another type of painkiller that may ease your pain if paracetamol does not work. Opioids can help relieve severe pain, but can also cause side effects such as drowsiness, nausea and constipation. If you need to take an opioid regularly, your GP may prescribe a laxative to take alongside it to prevent constipation