Osteoarthritis : Osteoarthritis also called Degenerative joint disease, OA, Osteoarthrosis . Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, which is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint. Osteoarthritis is a normal result of aging. It is also caused by "wear and tear" on a joint.
• Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that cushions your bones at the joints, and allows bones to glide over one another.
• If the cartilage breaks down and wears away, the bones rub together. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Bony spurs or extra bone may form around the joint. The ligaments and muscles around the joint become weaker and stiffer.
Symptoms
Pain and stiffness in the joints are the most common symptoms. The pain is often worse after exercise and when you put weight or pressure on the joint.
MEDICATIONS
Over-the-counter pain relievers, which you can buy without a prescription, can help with OA symptoms. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) first, because it has fewer side effects than other drugs. If your pain continues, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Types of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Other medications or supplements that you may use include:
• Corticosteroids injected right into the joint to reduce swelling and pain
• Over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
• Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream to relieve pain
• Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) can be injected into the knee to relieve pain for 3 - 6 months