What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease, or wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. It can occur in any joint, but osteoarthritis most often affects the hands, knees, hips or spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving.
Osteoarthritis treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce joint pain, stiffness and improve joint movement. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, it is important to help keep joints functioning by reducing pain and inflammation.
Treatment plans for patients will be determined by their care team based on age, medical history, type and stage of osteoarthritis and personal preferences. Osteoarthritis treatment options may include:
- Medication
- Injections or surgery
- Arthroscopy
- Total joint replacement
- Natural and alternative treatments
- Pain management
- Clinical trials(当appropriate)