Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis

Arthritis comes in many shapes and forms, affecting joints and tendons all over the body. One of the most common forms of arthritis, known as osteoarthritis, is a condition that currently affects millions of adults. It usually forms over time as a result of constant repetitive movements. However, there are other causes of osteoarthritis that patients should also be aware of. Today, your trusted spine surgeon in Los Angeles will discuss some of the most common risk factors for osteoarthritis that you can be on the lookout for and talk with your doctor about if you feel that any of these risks apply to you.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is typically defined by pain, inflammation, and stiffness in commonly used joints in the body such as the hands, fingers, ankles, knees, and hips. As the condition grows worse, it can limit your movement and your overall ability to enjoy daily life in the way that you have been used to.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Treatment is necessary for this lifelong condition, and the sooner you can treat your symptoms, the easier it will be to avoid long-term pain. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Swelling and inflammation
Bone pain
Stiffness and tightness in the joints
Throbbing or warm pain in the joints

If you are feeling inflexible, rigid, and painful, you should get in touch with your joint specialist for a personal consultation and treatment plan.

The most common risk factor of osteoarthritis is overuse or repeated stress on your joints. Those who play sports, type on computers, or pull heavy equipment as part of their job are particularly susceptible to developing osteoarthritis at an earlier age.

Aside from repeated use of the joints, other risk factors include:

Genetics

Whether or not you are someone that puts a lot of strain on your joints, you may be at risk for osteoarthritis based purely on genetics. Some people inherit this trait early and need to pay special attention to the strength of their bones throughout life.

Aging

Osteoarthritis, along with many other forms of arthritis, tend to become a bigger and bigger possibility for bodies as they age. Joints wear down and bones grow weary. As they do, it becomes likely one will start to feel a bit of pain after using certain parts of their body over and over again.

Injury

Those same folks who play sports or operate heavy machinery as part of their jobs may also be at risk of hurting themselves in a number of different ways. Physical injury can put a huge strain on the joints. And it can prove difficult to lift objects or even get out of bed in the morning. Together these contribute to the development of osteoarthritis and other similar conditions.

Getting Treatment for Osteoarthritis

There is no surefire cure for osteoarthritis and it cannot be reversed. Still, you can treat its symptoms through a number of surgical or non-invasive procedures. Treatment varies, depending on the severity, location, and cause of your arthritis pain. So you may first receive a prescribed medication to treat the more immediate symptoms of pain. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and ibuprofen prove also acceptable in short-term situations.

Alternatively, physical therapy can strengthen the joints and parts of the body affected by this condition. This works to reduce inflammation and manage pain more effectively. In severe cases of osteoarthritis, you may need surgical intervention.

Schedule Your Personal Consultation Today

At the office of Dr. Yashar, we offer top-notch osteoarthritis treatment in Los Angeles for anyone dealing with this difficult condition. Whether or not you have dealt with this condition for long, we can get you scheduled for proactive treatment right away. Contact us now to learn more!