Osteoarthritis: The Complete Guide

Osteoarthritis is a clinical condition which leads to a breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It commonly causes joint pain and stiffness. Symptoms usually occur after exercise initially, but with time, they become constant. Commonly, the joints at the base of the thumb, near the ends of the fingers, lower back, knee and hips are affected. Osteoarthritis can occur due to genetic factors or due to abnormal joint or limb development, or joint injury. The mainstay of treatment for osteoarthritis is exercise and weight loss. Medications consisting of acetaminophen along with NSAIDs are given for pain relief. Balance, gait and functional therapies are used to manage impairments of strength, balance and position sense in individuals who have lower extremity arthritis. This book contains some path-breaking studies in osteoarthritis. Also included herein is a detailed explanation of the various treatment and prevention strategies of osteoarthritis. The topics covered in this book offer the readers new insights in this medical condition.