Knee OA has been viewed as being a more mechanically-driven, rather than inflammatory, disease. However, it has long been known that low grade inflammation plays some role in the processes of cartilage degeneration and repair at many stages of the disease.
Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease. The inflammatory process found in OA has been studied for several decades. 1, 2 According to some recent studies,3, 4 OA behaves like an autoinflammatory disease, caused by responses mediated by chondrocytes and synoviocytes.
Osteoarthritis starts in the cartilage, the shock absorber that lines the bone at the joints. Inflammatory arthritis often begins in other soft tissues that line the joint. Osteoarthritis is less of an inflammatory process, although inflammation is still present.
Osteoarthritis has been considered a prototypical non-inflammatory arthropathy because neutrophils are absent in the synovial fluid, as are systemic manifestations of inflammation [1•].
Noninflammatory arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA), can also cause inflammation. However, this inflammation typically results from normal wear and tear to the joints.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Over-the-counter NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), taken at the recommended doses, typically relieve osteoarthritis pain. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
Cause of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage and other tissues within the joint break down or have a change in their structure. This does not happen because of simple wear and tear on the joints. Instead, changes in the tissue can trigger the breakdown, which usually happens gradually over time.
Osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis and it is considered a non-inflammatory form of arthritis. Most of the population over age 50 either have or will go on to get osteoarthritis.
There are no blood tests that can diagnose OA; however, your doctor may order them to rule out other causes of joint pain and inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Joint fluid analysis. Fluid drawn from an affected joint can offer clues as to what is happening in the joint.
Osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disease, and although the exact causes are not known, multiple risk factors have been identified. In a healthy joint, cartilage provides cushioning and a smooth joint surface for motion.
While OA is a degenerative disease caused by a physical breakdown of the cartilage, and eventually the bones, RA is an autoimmune disease caused by a reaction in the immune system.
The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Affected joints may feel warm, swollen, and tender. But inflammatory arthritis can also affect other tissues in the body, including the lungs, heart, eyes, skin, and other organs.
A steady diet of anti-inflammatory foods may also help to reduce joint pain for people living with osteoarthritis and potentially slow the progression of damage. To get the most benefit you've got to eat a variety of anti-inflammatory foods, ideally over a number of years, she says.
Exercise. Exercise is one of the most important treatments for people with osteoarthritis, whatever your age or level of fitness. Your physical activity should include a combination of exercises to strengthen your muscles and exercises to improve your general fitness.
Walking, biking, swimming, tai chi, yoga, and water aerobics are all good aerobic exercises for people with osteoarthritis. Water exercise is especially ideal because of water's soothing warmth and buoyancy. It's a gentle way to exercise joints and muscles -- plus it acts as resistance to help build muscle strength.
Gender—Women are more likely to develop OA than men, especially after age 50. Obesity—Extra weight puts more stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. This stress increases the risk of OA in that joint. Obesity may also have metabolic effects that increase the risk of OA.
But whether it's mild or severe, you can take some steps to ease the joint pain and swelling by resting it, applying an ice or heat pack and taking an over-the-counter analgesic, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), or NSAID, like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and cannot be cured, but it doesn't necessarily get any worse over time and it can sometimes gradually improve.
This condition may be confused with other types of arthritis that cause inflammation and damage such as gout, psoriatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It is estimated that about 10 percent of the general population has Inflammatory Osteoarthritis.
Walking is recommended for people with arthritis as it's low impact, helps to keep the joints flexible, helps bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. If you do experience pain or you're very stiff afterwards try doing a bit less, factor in more rest and check in with your GP, if you need to.