Rheumatologists Reveal the Stages of Knee Osteoarthritis That People Should Know About

(Newswire.net — February 16, 2017) Orlando, FL — Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritic condition today. Millions of individuals who suffer from this condition live with pain, immobility, and certain symptoms. Sufferers are generally advised to take the measures necessary to help them manage their condition.

Rheumatologists reveal the stages of knee osteoarthritis that people should know about. This degenerative joint disease impacts the cartilage located at the end of the bones. This slippery tissue called the cartilage takes care of providing the smooth-gliding surface to aid joint motion.

The synovium as well as the cartilage help the joints work properly. In individuals with osteoarthritis, there is wear and tear in the joint cartilage. This typically results in the overgrowth of the bone located underneath. The cartilage then starts becoming rough and eventually breaks down.

Cartilage breakdown typically results in pain, swelling, and other problems involving joint movement. Over time, the symptoms worsen. While osteoarthritis my affect any joint, it is the knee that is believed to be highly susceptible to the condition.

The knee joints provide protection, stability, support, and flexibility. While osteoarthritis can happen to people of any age, it is more prevalent in individuals older than 65 years.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 1 in 2 adult individuals will suffer from knee osteoarthritis symptoms during their lives. Some of the risk factors of the condition are obesity, overuse of the joint, previous joint injury, weak thigh muscles, and genes.

Osteoarthritis gradually develops over several years, and there are many cases when it has not been detected until it has already reached an advanced stage. There are five stages of knee osteoarthritis, namely stage 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Stage 0 is when there are still no signs of osteoarthritis. Stage 1 is considered minor but it causes the cartilage to be slightly damaged. Stage 2 is called mild and it is when the osteoarthritis symptoms become even more noticeable.

Stage 3 is moderate, and this is when cartilage damage has already progressed. Stage 4, on the other hand, is called severe as it is the most advanced osteoarthritis stage. In addition to learning about these stages, it is also important that sufferers consider alternatives that may help them improve their overall condition.

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is extremely popular among individuals with arthritis. As a matter of fact, many arthritis sufferers claim that these medications have been quite helpful in easing pain.

However, due to the widespread scare in the side effects associated with the use of these medications, more and more arthritis sufferers are turning to the use of natural alternatives, such as glucosamine.

Glucosamine is believed to be a safer alternative to certain pain medications.

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