This degenerative joint condition not only causes loss of mobility, but can also affect sleep, and can even have an impact on the mental health of those suffering from it as it decreases their quality of life, which can lead to depression. Fortunately, there are some treatment options available, like Piascledine, that can help ease the pain of osteoarthritis and slow down progression of the disease. Piascledine also reduces the need for pain tablets like anti-inflammatories.

According to the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study, the number of osteoarthritis cases worldwide has increased by 113% from 1990 to 2019, with an astounding 527 million prevalent cases of osteoarthritis in 2019. As the prevalence of this disease continues to increase, it is important to understand exactly what osteoarthritis is and how it can be treated.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which the cartilage found in the joints between bones breaks down over time causing pain, inflammation, and joint dysfunction. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, it most commonly affects the knees, hands, hips, and spine.

Cartilage is the flexible tissue that lines and protects the joints and bones. This connective tissue is found at the end of bones and acts as a shock absorber. It also prevents bones from coming into direct contact with each other and rubbing against each other, which causes pain. When a person suffers from osteoarthritis, the cartilage in their joints slowly deteriorates, causing severe pain. This also eventually causes irreversible changes in the joint, which can impair normal movement.

What causes osteoarthritis?

While the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, there are certain factors that increase the risk of a person developing this debilitating condition. These risks include:

Age – The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.
Gender – Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than men.
Obesity – The more you weigh, the greater the risk of developing osteoarthritis as the excess weight put increased stress on joints.
Previous injury – Having a previous injury can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis. For example a sports injury such as torn cartilage.
Genetics – As there is a genetic component of this condition, a family history of osteoarthritis can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

These are the main symptoms of osteoarthritis:

Pain: Pain in the affected joint during or after movement.
Stiffness: Stiffness in the joints after a period of being inactive.
Reduced flexibility: Reduced range of motion in the affected joint.
Grinding sensation: A grinding or popping sensation in the joint when moving.
Inflammation: Swelling or tenderness in the affected joint.

Treating osteoarthritis

While osteoarthritis can’t be cured, there are ways to manage the symptoms of the condition and slow down further damage to the joints. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help to slow down disease. There are also great treatments available, like Piascledine that can ease the pain of osteoarthritis. As the no.1 prescribed osteoarthritis treatment by South African doctors, Piascledine is the only clinically proven medication that reduces pain, improves movement, slows disease progression and reduces the need for anti-inflammatories. Click here to find out more about this treatment now.