Wei Laboratories, Inc.
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| Toll Free: 888.919.1188 International 408.970.8700 |
| Email: wei@weilab.com |
What Is Osteoarthritis?[1]
"Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the
cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion"
between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis.
Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most
common, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis occurs more
frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After
age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females. In the United States, all races appear
equally affected. A higher incidence of osteoarthritis exists in the Japanese population, while
South African blacks, East Indians, and Southern Chinese have lower rates.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such
as the hips and knees. Most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause and are referred
to as primary osteoarthritis. When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is
referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is sometimes abbreviated OA.
The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive
use. Joint pain is usually worse later in the day. There can be swelling, warmth, and
creaking of the affected joints. Pain and stiffness of the joints can also occur after long
periods of inactivity, for example, sitting in a theater. In severe osteoarthritis, complete loss
of cartilage cushion causes friction between bones, causing pain at rest or pain with limited
motion.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?[1]
Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the
cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Eventually, cartilage
begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. In advanced cases, there is a
total loss of cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints. Repetitive use of the worn
joints over the years can irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling.
Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and
limitation of joint mobility. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone
outgrowths (spurs, also referred to as osteophytes) to form around the joints. Osteoarthritis
occasionally can develop in multiple members of the same family, implying a hereditary
(genetic) basis for this condition.
Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by another disease or condition. Conditions that can
lead to secondary osteoarthritis include obesity, repeated trauma or surgery to the joint
structures, abnormal joints at birth (congenital abnormalities), gout, diabetes, and other
hormone disorders."
Treatments[2]
"There's no known cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments can help to reduce pain and
maintain joint movement so that you can go about your daily tasks.
Medications
Therapy
Surgical and other procedures
Alternative Medicine[3]
"In Western culture, the term alternative medicine refers to any healing practice "that does
not fall within the realm of conventional medicine"."[4]
To find an experienced licensed alternative medicine practitioner close to you, please
contact us either by phone at 1-888-919-1188 or by e-mail at wei@weilab.com.
References:
[1] MedicineNet.com
[2] Mayoclinic
[3] Wikipedia
[4] Bratman, MD, Steven (1997). The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook. Lowell House. pp. 7.
ISBN 1565656261.
"Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the
cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion"
between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis.
Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most
common, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis occurs more
frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After
age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females. In the United States, all races appear
equally affected. A higher incidence of osteoarthritis exists in the Japanese population, while
South African blacks, East Indians, and Southern Chinese have lower rates.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such
as the hips and knees. Most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause and are referred
to as primary osteoarthritis. When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is
referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is sometimes abbreviated OA.
The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive
use. Joint pain is usually worse later in the day. There can be swelling, warmth, and
creaking of the affected joints. Pain and stiffness of the joints can also occur after long
periods of inactivity, for example, sitting in a theater. In severe osteoarthritis, complete loss
of cartilage cushion causes friction between bones, causing pain at rest or pain with limited
motion.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?[1]
Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the
cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Eventually, cartilage
begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. In advanced cases, there is a
total loss of cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints. Repetitive use of the worn
joints over the years can irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling.
Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and
limitation of joint mobility. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone
outgrowths (spurs, also referred to as osteophytes) to form around the joints. Osteoarthritis
occasionally can develop in multiple members of the same family, implying a hereditary
(genetic) basis for this condition.
Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by another disease or condition. Conditions that can
lead to secondary osteoarthritis include obesity, repeated trauma or surgery to the joint
structures, abnormal joints at birth (congenital abnormalities), gout, diabetes, and other
hormone disorders."
Treatments[2]
"There's no known cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments can help to reduce pain and
maintain joint movement so that you can go about your daily tasks.
Medications
- Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can relieve pain, but doesn't
reduce inflammation. It has been shown to be effective for people with osteoarthritis
who have mild to moderate pain. - NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce
inflammation. - Tramadol. Tramadol (Ultram) is a centrally acting analgesic that's available by
prescription. - Stronger painkillers. Prescription pain pills, such as codeine and propoxyphene
(Darvon), may provide relief from more severe osteoarthritis pain. These stronger
medications carry a risk of dependence, though that risk is thought to be small in
people who have severe pain. Side effects may include nausea, constipation and
sleepiness. - Cortisone shots. Injections of corticosteroid medications may relieve pain in your joint.
Therapy
- Work with a physical therapist. A
- Find ways to avoid stressing your joints.
- Try braces or shoe inserts.
- Take a chronic pain class.
Surgical and other procedures
- Viscosupplementation. Injections of hyaluronic acid derivatives (Hyalgan, Synvisc)
may offer pain relief by providing some cushioning in your knee. - Joint replacement.
- Realigning bones.
- Fusing bones. "
Alternative Medicine[3]
"In Western culture, the term alternative medicine refers to any healing practice "that does
not fall within the realm of conventional medicine"."[4]
To find an experienced licensed alternative medicine practitioner close to you, please
contact us either by phone at 1-888-919-1188 or by e-mail at wei@weilab.com.
References:
[1] MedicineNet.com
[2] Mayoclinic
[3] Wikipedia
[4] Bratman, MD, Steven (1997). The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook. Lowell House. pp. 7.
ISBN 1565656261.
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