Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the relatively mild and usually non-crippling form of "rheumatism." It is extremely common and usually constitutes little more than a considerable and continuing nuisance. The chance of getting it increases with age. The weight-bearing joints are more commonly involved, but one hereditary form of osteoarthritis involves the end and middle joints of the fingers. The joints, one by one, become painful, tender, and have hard, bony swelling. They pass through a painful phase and end up as painless but knobby fingers. There is deformity, but function is generally quite good. Stiffness in sitting is characteristic of osteoarthritis. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis causes pain but very little heat or redness. It also causes a bony type of joint enlargement, not a soft tissue swelling.

The treatment of  Osteoarthritis is simpler than of the more severe forms of arthritis. This disease is due to a gradual destruction of cartilage. Its precise cause is unknown, but it is no longer regarded as a simple "wear and tear disease." Heredity appears to play a part in its cause. The first step in treatment is to assure the patient that it is not a crippling, deforming disease. This is often a great relief to him since he usually thinks he has a destructive form of arthritis. He may have more of a problem with fear of the future than his disease warrants.

Joint rest is important and special exercises are needed. Postural exercises are important aids in treatment. The body weight should be kept down. Drug therapy is kept to a minimum and the cortisone drugs are not used. The principal drug treatment is aspirin as required. 

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