Know About Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis routinely abbreviated as OA, is a common joint disorder mostly affecting middle age or elderly people. Classically, the condition was thought to be due to overuse or high pressured joints, but it has recently to be understood as the abnormality, associated with the entire joints, involving different parts such as cartilages, joint lining, ligaments and bones. The condition primarily symbolizes the breakdown of the cartilages; the tissue that is padded between the two bones for the ease of movement and lubrication. It as well specifies the deterioration of tendons, ligaments and various degree of inflammation of the joint-lining also called as synovium.

 The OA is mainly prevalent for knee joints although it can be widespread to any joints of the body such as joints of hands, spine, hips and toes. However, life time risk of development of osteoarthritis is about 46% for knees, due to their weight bearing nature.

Knowing your condition about Osteoarthritis

As a general thumb rule, initiation of osteoarthritis is a very slow, asymptomatic process that can be advanced at a faster rate. In the early phase of its progression, occasional pain can be experienced after certain type of vigorous motion or exercises, which can be constantly reported in the later stages of its development; along with the joint stiffness. Different characteristics of the condition can be based on the affected joints as follows.

·        Elbows & Fingers: - OA of hands has been observed to be genetic in nature and runs in the families. If the person is genetically predisposed to it, he is at the greater risk of developing Osteoarthritis. Women after menopause are more likely to be affected with the condition. In case of hands, small bony spurs can be visible at the end of the joints and on the middle joints of the fingers. Fingers can be enlarged and gnarled with the aching, stiffness and numbness.

·       Knees: - Knees are among the most commonly susceptible joints due to their weight bearing capacity. The reported symptoms associated with the condition can be stiffness, swelling and pain; which make them hard to function such as walking, standing, running, etc. The disability can affect the normal quality of life to a great extent.

·      Hips: - This is less common as compared to knee arthritis. As in case of other joints, symptoms of hip joints are pain, stiffness, etc. although the pain can be felt by groin, inner thighs or buttocks. This type of OA, generally limits moving as well as bending.

·     Spine: - OA of the spine can be confirmed with the pain and stiffness in the neck and lower back region. Some of the patients can as well complain about weakness, tingling sensation of hands as well as arms and/or numbness of the legs due to arthritis induced pressure on the central nervous system. In the severe stages, this can lead to bladder as well as bowel problems.

On a general note, the commonly emphasized treatment of Osteoarthritis goals are to manage pain, improve joint function, stop or slow down the progression of the condition and lastly to achieve a healthy life style. These goals can be fulfilled in a very short time period without any invasive procedures or surgery with the help of mesenchymal stem cells activated by patient’s own platelet rich plasma.

According to the supporting literature, these stem cells therapy can be differentiated into cells of cartilaginous, bone and brain origin; restoring the lost function of mobility and support. The stem cells can also reduce the inflammation associated with the condition to manage the pain, thus making it feasible alternative.