Osteoarthritis, known as degenerative joint disease, develops gradually and is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects any joint, and most often happens in the knees, hands, hips, lower back, and neck. When the cartilage preserve the joints breaks down, these joints can become painful, making it hard to move and swollen. While it can occur at any age, those above 50 are more affected by this condition. Today, it’s seen as a disease of the joint, and it affects over 21 million people in the United States alone. Any joint that helps connect two bones can be affected by osteoarthritis, and because it breaks down the cartilage, pain, and swelling ensues as an ever-constant issue that worsens over time.
The Stages of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis contains four stages in its severity, and under the direction of Dr. Pranay Patel, special care is given to the patient according to their severity. Patients under any stage will require different treatments, and the correct treatment given in each circumstance makes all the difference in helping patients. These stages include:
Stage 1: Minor Bone Spur Growth
A person with the first initial stage of osteoarthritis will experience minor wear and tear and bone spur growth at their joints. However, no pain or discomfort will be felt. If the person isn’t predisposed to osteoarthritis, Dr. Patel won’t recommend any special treatment but may provide supplements and lifestyle recommendations to improve the joints.
Stage 2: Mild Cartilage Loss and Tenderness
More bone spur growths will occur at this stage, and while the spaces between the bones will appear normal, those with osteoarthritis will experience mild joint pain. While the cartilage and soft tissue surrounding the joint will remain healthy, the joints will begin to feel stiff and uncomfortable while sitting, working out, or standing for an extended period.
Stage 3: Moderate Cartilage Damage and Frequent Pain
Where obvious erosion occurs, there will be joint fluid fragments between the bones as the disease progresses. The bone spurs will develop more rapidly at the joints, and there will be inflammation, which causes pain while walking, sitting, kneeling, or other activities for a shorter amount of time.
Stage 4: Severe Pain and Little Cartilage
At the last stage, the joint space between the bones has severely reduced, causing the cartilage to wear down and leave the joint stiff. This lack of cartilage fluid creates a chronic inflammation response, creating friction, great pain, and discomfort during movement. At this stage, bone spurs will occur rapidly and make everyday activities a challenge.
Causes and Treatment For Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is easily identifiable through its common symptoms, including joint stiffness, aching during activity, limited range of motion, swelling around the joint, and joint instability. In these cases, the cause of osteoarthritis range from:
• Aging
• Joint injuries
• Obesity
• Bone deformities
• Metabolic diseases
• Genetics
For treatments, Dr. Patel will diagnose your condition using x-rays, MRI scans, and joint aspiration to see the joint damage and test the joint fluid for infection. While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, Dr. Patel can provide nonsurgical and surgical treatments for osteoarthritis. To learn about how Dr. Patel can treat osteoarthritis, visit Ocean Spine today and schedule an appointment at any of our South Bay, Los Angeles, and Long Beach, CA locations.