What Is Osteoarthrosis and How Can You Manage It

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Unfortunately, the most common type of arthritis is osteoarthrosis (osteoarthritis). In fact, the disorder affects millions of people all over the world. Of course, the disorder causes multiple symptoms. First, the affected joints can experience pain during or after movement. Second, the affected joints may be stiff after an extended inactivity period. Third, the joint could be tender. Fourth, it is common for the joint to lose range of motion. Fifth, patients may experience a grating sensation near the joint. Additionally, popping or crackling sounds accompany the grating. Sixth, bone spurs may form around the affected joint. Seventh, the joint could develop inflammation and swelling. Patients should seek medical attention if the symptoms persist or worsen over time. Often, symptoms worsen when the disorder is not treated. Symptoms are worse for some patients, and they are less severe for others.¹

What is Osteoarthrosis?

The osteoarthrosis definition is the same as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, and it usually affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Specifically, it is a disorder that occurs when cartilage deteriorates. Usually, cartilage allows smooth joint motion. Damaged cartilage causes the bones to rub together. Additionally, osteoarthritis affects the bones and connective tissue. There are risk factors that increase a patient’s chance of developing osteoarthritis. Often, advancing age increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Further, women are at a higher risk of developing the disorder. Obesity also contributes to the disorder because the extra weight adds stress to joints. Joint injuries and repetitive stress also damage the joints. Genetics, bone deformities, and certain metabolic diseases also contribute to osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, the chronic pain also contributes to depression and sleep issues. There are differences between osteoarthrosis and other forms of arthritis.²

End Stage Osteoarthrosis

End stage osteoarthritis is an advanced form of the disorder. There are four stages of osteoarthritis: stage zero, stage one, stage two, stage three, and stage four. The joint is not damaged in stage zero. Stage four is the most advanced stage of osteoarthritis. Specifically, the cartilage is worn away, the space between bones is reduced, the joint is inflamed, the joint may be swollen, the joint lubricating fluid is decreased, and there are more bone spurs. Often, the pain and discomfort are severe and debilitating. It can take years, or even decades, for patients to reach stage four. Additionally, age and weight contribute to how quickly the disorder progresses. Damage to the hand joints makes it more difficult to grasp or move dexterously. Knee and hip joint damage makes it harder to walk, climb stairs, and lift objects. Treatment options are also more invasive.³

Osteoarthrosis vs Osteoarthritis

First, both disorders affect the bones, ligaments, and joints. Additionally, they share many symptoms. For example, both disorders cause joint stiffness and pain. Other shared symptoms are swelling, redness, and reduced range of motion. However, the differences are also important. Arthritis describes several conditions that cause joint inflammation, and it is an umbrella term. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout all fall under the umbrella of arthritis. Arthrosis is specifically another term for osteoarthritis. Many of the risk factors are similar for both conditions. Again, arthrosis is the most common joint condition so many of the risk factors are more likely to contribute to arthrosis. Diagnosis is also mostly the same. A doctor can run blood tests, joint aspiration, arthroscopy, and other imaging tests to determine the condition of the joints. Arthroscopy is a procedure where a camera is used to get a closer look of affected joints.⁴

More About Arthrosis

Again, arthrosis is another name for osteoarthritis. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that arthrosis is the most common type of arthritis.⁵ The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, or NIAMS, is an official source of research and treatment for arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. NIAMS also trains people to carry out research and handles information learned through research.⁶ Many patients suffer from its increasingly worse symptoms. Symptoms that are associated with arthrosis are joint pain, joint stiffness, joint tenderness, reduced flexibility, bone-to-bone rubbing, and bone spurs. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, and men are usually affected by gout. Fortunately, there are treatment options to help slow the progression of osteoarthritis. However, it is currently not possible to completely cure the disorder. Patients who develop arthrosis will manage the disorder for the rest of their lives.⁷

Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease is another term for osteoarthritis. It is also known as degenerative arthritis. There are over one hundred different types of arthritis conditions, and arthrosis is the most common. It occurs more frequently in men under the age of forty-five, and it occurs more often in women after the age of fifty-five. There is also a higher rate of arthrosis in patients with Japanese heritage, and patients of East Indian, Southern Chinese, and South African heritage are less likely to develop arthrosis. There are many causes of osteoarthritis, and the condition is known as secondary osteoarthritis when the cause is unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, though they both fall under the arthritis umbrella, are different from each other. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic and autoimmune disease. It affects more areas of the body, including the lungs and eyes. Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disorder.⁸

Treatment Options

Unfortunately, joint damage cannot be reversed. However, the condition can be managed and worsening can be slowed. Medications and NSAIDs, such as Tylenol and Advil can be used to manage the pain. Cymbalta is an antidepressant that can treat chronic pain. Additionally, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and occupational therapy can help patients naturally manage pain and increase flexibility. Patients should consult their doctor before trying any new management options. There are also physical aids, such as a shower bench, that can help ease some pain and make tasks easier. Generally, surgical treatment is not the first option. Invasive treatments range from cortisone and lubrication injections to bone realignment and joint replacement. Artificial joints can wear out, and surgery always comes with risks. Primarily, patients can combat osteoarthritis by exercising, losing weight, and listening to medical instructions.⁹