Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis 101

Roughly 40 million Americans are expected to have osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) by 2020. You don't have to be one of them! Learn what osteoarthritis is, how it develops and what you can do now to prevent it. 

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What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Scientists used to think osteoarthritis was simply caused by wear and tear. Now they know other factors may be involved, too -- including the number on your bathroom scale. 

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Know Your Family Tree

Those painful fingertips can run in your family, especially if you have female siblings. Osteoarthritis of the fingertip joints occurs about three times more often among sisters. Know how else your genes may affect your risk.

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Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Knowing the signs of osteoarthritis is the key to catching osteoarthritis early. Joint stiffness and pain are the two most common symptoms, but there are other signs to watch for, too. 

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Treatment Options

Osteoarthritis can be treated in many ways, from ice packs and surgery to massage and biofeedback. Assess your options and learn which treatment is right for you. 

Options for Living Well

Try alternative treatments.
People with osteoarthritis often have to go beyond mainstream medicine to get help. Talk to your doctor about supplements, biofeedback, yoga and other therapies.

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Management Techniques

Give acupuncture or tai chi a try.
Chinese medicine has been treating the joint pain of osteoarthritis for centuries.
See what acupuncture can do to ease osteoarthritis.
Try tai chi, a great way to release sore joints.

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Management Techniques

Hot and cold therapy is a traditional pain management technique for osteoarthritis. Of course, over-the-counter painkillers can help, too.  

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Management Techniques

Physical exercise is important to keep joints flexible and the muscles that support them strong. Try these exercise tips for osteoarthritis. 

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Management Techniques

Soothe achy joints with skin creams.
Creams containing capsaicin can help relieve pain from osteoarthritis. Rub it in above the joint several times a day and you should see relief in one or two weeks. 

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Management Techniques

Lose weight to ease osteoarthritis.
When you're overweight, you put more pressure on your bones and joints, upping your chances of osteoarthritis. In fact, each pound adds 4 pounds of extra weight to your knees on level ground, and 7 pounds more when you're going down stairs.

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