Osteoarthritis is degenerative disorder affecting the joints. It is most often presented with acute pain, but swelling, redness, stiffness in the joints might also be present. The pain might be so big that the moving in the joints is more or less reduced. The most often affected joints are: hands, feet and spine. This process is usually caused by some injury to the cartilage, although heredity might play a significant role.
Osteoarthritis is divided in primary (related to, but not caused by aging) and secondary ((other factors cause osteoarthritis).
The treatment includes pain killers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. Injections with hyaluronic acid might be given in big joint if affected. Physical therapists and occupational therapists might be involved in the treatment. Weight control, rest and exercise are probably the most important lifestyle modifications that might improve the condition. At last, in most severe cases surgery might be needed.
Osteoarthritis should not be mixed with rheumatoid arthritis which is an inflammatory disorder.
No data can be found about level 5 osteoarthritis.
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