Osteoarthritis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==How to know you have osteoarthritis?== | ==How to know you have osteoarthritis?== | ||
:*Joint [[x-rays]]: X-ray images of affected joint in patients with osteothritis may demonstrate loss of joint cartilage, narrowing of the joint space between adjacent bones, and bone spur formation. | |||
:*[[Magnetic resonance imaging]] ([[MRI]]): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography ([[CT]]) and produces detailed images of the joint. | |||
:*Blood tests such as [[antistreptolysin O]] ([[ASO]]) titer, [[sedimentation rate]] ([[ESR]]): These tests may help doctor rule out [[rheumatic arthritis]]. | |||
:*[[Synovial fluid]] examination: When a patient demonstrate the signs of acute inflammatory [[arthritis]], it is necessary to aspirate synovial fluid of the involved joint to rule out an infectious arthritis. During the procedure, the doctor may use a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint. Based on the discovery of urate crystals in the synovial fluid or soft tissues, the doctors can confirm the diagnosis. | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== |
Revision as of 19:24, 8 April 2010
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What is osteoarthritis?
How do I know if I have osteoarthritis and what are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary from person to person. For most patients, it develops slowly and worsen over time. Uusal signs and symptoms include:
- Joint pain, gets worse during or after movement. And, pain increases during humid or moist weather.
- Joint tenderness
- Joint stiffness: It may be noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
- Limited movement: You may not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
- Grating of the joint with motion
- Bone spurs
Who is at risk for osteoarthritis?
How to know you have osteoarthritis?
- Joint x-rays: X-ray images of affected joint in patients with osteothritis may demonstrate loss of joint cartilage, narrowing of the joint space between adjacent bones, and bone spur formation.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the joint.
- Blood tests such as antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer, sedimentation rate (ESR): These tests may help doctor rule out rheumatic arthritis.
- Synovial fluid examination: When a patient demonstrate the signs of acute inflammatory arthritis, it is necessary to aspirate synovial fluid of the involved joint to rule out an infectious arthritis. During the procedure, the doctor may use a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint. Based on the discovery of urate crystals in the synovial fluid or soft tissues, the doctors can confirm the diagnosis.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for osteoarthritis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating osteoarthritis
Prevention of osteoarthritis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoarthritis/article.htm
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-overview-facts
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp
http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=32