The Who's, What's, and Why's of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by the joint fluid around the knee losing its ability to protect the joint. As a result the cartilage loses its cushioning effect causing the bones to scrape painfully together. Fragments of bone - broken from the scraping - as well as loose cartilage, float in the joint space causing further pain and swelling. Bone ends thicken as the cartilage breaks down, forming painful bony spurs; which doctors and medical professors call 'osteophytes'. It's a painful condition but one that -fortunately for its sufferers - has easily recognised symptoms and can be effectively treated through a variety of medication.

Osteoarthritis is most commonly found in older generations - especially women - as it is greatly affected by the aging process, in which joints and bones become more brittle. Obese people are also more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis as they have more pressure and force pressing down on their joints. Sports related injuries or other accidents that have resulted in joint damage can also contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis, especially in the young.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary according to the severity of the disease but most sufferers report stiffness and pain in the knees when walking and red, swollen skin around the knee. In more severe cases the pain is felt even when sedentary. If the disease is not caught early enough, sufferers also experience a crackling sound or grating feeling when moving.

Whilst there is no absolute cure for osteoarthritis, there are many treatments available, both medical and natural. Non medical treatment focuses on improving the lifestyle of the sufferer through exercise to strengthen muscles, and weight loss if overweight. Painkillers such as paracetamol, anti-inflammatory drugs, or capsaicin cream all work to relieve pain by numbing the pain receptors and blocking the nerves from sending pain messages. Those wishing to avoid medicines can have therapy on the knee, including thermotherapy - where hot or cold packs are applying to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling - and physiotherapy, which improves the suppleness and flexibility of joints. A final alternative for osteoarthritis sufferers is a natural injection using hyaluronic acid, which cushions and lubricates the joint to increase joint function and erase pain, allowing sufferers to lead a normal, healthy life.