Osteoarthritis Wrist

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects approximately 40 million Americans. It is also the most common cause of disability.

While more than half of patients aged over 65 have osteoarthritis changes in the knees of their x-ray, the osteoarthritis is not considered a "normal" aging.

Some occupations and activities increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis. For example, baseball players have a higher incidence of osteoarthritis in the elbows and shoulders. Football players have an increased incidence of osteoarthritis in the hips and knees. And ditch diggers have an increased incidence of osteoarthritis in the wrist.

Obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in the knees.

Osteoarthritis is a disease resulting from biochemical changes in cartilage, which include reducing glycosoaminoglycans, an important component of bonding, increased water content and a higher concentration of destructive enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases.

These changes lead to structural weakening of cartilage. Small cracks grow, then more cracks and irregularities also occur. The ulceration of the cartilage and not deteriorate further. The end result is premature wear of the cartilage away from exposure to the underlying bone. Along with the wear of the cartilage is increased inflammation of the lining of the joints, the synovial membrane.

The joints are most affected are in OA support points such as neck, lower back, hips and knees.

Stiffness and pain are the most common symptoms wet.

On physical examination, there are signs that point to the diagnosis, including bone swelling, and the distribution of joint problems.

Laboratory testing is usually normal. X-rays may show changes.

Treatment of osteoarthritis is aimed at five main objectives. They are the relief of pain, maintaining function, disability prevention, control of co-morbid conditions, and avoid the side effects of drugs.

non-drug treatments include patient education, physical therapy, heat treatments, weight loss if needed, and exercise.

Drug therapies include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, injections of glucocorticoids or viscosupplement (lubricants), and disease-modifying drugs.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, balneotherapy (spa), glucosamine / chondroitin, massage, chiropractic, etc. all have their advocates.

One area that has received much attention is the use of mechanical movement that can unload specific articulations. For example, osteoarthritis of the knee, a common problem, has received much scrutiny lately.

A recent study has shown that the use of shoes that mimic walking barefoot can help because there is more pressure on the middle of the knee joint when people wear shoes than when walking barefoot.

In addition, the use of a simple device like a cane also reduces the load on the knees.
(Kemp G, et al Arthritis Care and Research 2008, 59: 609-614).

Other studies have found that the side corners worn inside the soles of shoes can also reduce the load on the medial side of the joint.

Until the day that new cartilage can be grown ... and that day is closer than we think, particularly focusing on stem cell research, the above arrangements may have to do.