Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. Understanding where osteoarthritis is most likely to occur can help individuals recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate care. Here’s a closer look at the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis.
Knees
The knees are one of the most common sites for osteoarthritis. As weight-bearing joints, they endure a significant amount of stress and pressure with every step you take. Over time, the cartilage in the knee joints can break down, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs can become increasingly difficult for those with knee osteoarthritis. Early intervention and management are crucial to maintaining mobility and reducing pain. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medications, and in severe cases, surgical interventions such as knee replacement.
Hips
The hips are another frequent site of osteoarthritis. These joints play a vital role in supporting body weight and enabling a wide range of movements, from walking to bending and twisting. Hip osteoarthritis can cause deep pain in the groin, buttocks, or the inside of the thigh.
This pain often worsens with activity and improves with rest, although in advanced stages, the discomfort may be present even during rest. Managing hip osteoarthritis involves a combination of lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgical options like hip replacement to restore function and alleviate pain.
Hands
Osteoarthritis can also affect the small joints in the hands, including the fingers and the base of the thumb. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling, significantly impacting dexterity and the ability to perform everyday tasks such as gripping objects, writing, and buttoning clothes.
The joints at the tips of the fingers and the base of the thumb are particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis. Treatment for hand osteoarthritis focuses on pain management and maintaining joint function. This may include exercises to strengthen the hand muscles, splinting, medications, and in severe cases, surgical interventions to repair or replace damaged joints.
If you are interested in learning more about osteoarthritis and its care, contact Phoenix Cyberknife today. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized treatment options to help you manage osteoarthritis and maintain your quality of life.
