Significant Other Spot : Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most comon form of arthritis. It is also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). This gives us a clue as to the mechanisms involved.

What degenerates in OA is cartilage. Cartilage wraps around the joints and cushions the bone ends at joints. This type of arthritis has traditionally been known as "wear and tear" of the joints; but new information suggests that it may be more due to small changes in the gene that codes for cartilage formation. Over time, the replacement cartilage that grows isn't as strong or efective as when we were younger. Most people over the age of 60 show some form of OA.

With less cushioning of the joint, the bone responds by overgrowth to take more of the stress. This can result in bone spurs or small pieces of bone which have broken off ( known as osteophytes) roaming around in the synovial sac. Inflammation connected with OA is most often due to these osteophytes being where they don't belong, rather than being a systemic auto-immune inflammatory condition.

With this new concept of OA, having good, strong cartilage is necessary. Two of the raw materials that can help in rebuilding cartilage are Glucosamine and Chondrotin ( thanks, Cush!). If OA is suspected, these two supplements may help prevent more degeneration. It's a great idea to discuss them with your doctor.

Immobility can contribute to additional degeneration of the OA joints. A personalized plan to keep moving is a must to prevent more damage. Analgesics for moderate pain may be prescribed to enable the Osteoarthritic to retain mobility.

The cartilage around our joints acts as a scaffolding to hold our bones in place. Preventing this scaffolding from falling apart and giving it what it needs to hold us together is how to keep OA from taking control.

Links:

University of Washington - Osteoarthritis

Focus on Arthritis - Osteoarthritis

Cush's Osteoarthritis & G/CS Page

Next week's article: Fibromyalgia