Rheumatologists Reveal Important Details About Primary and Secondary Osteoarthritis

(Newswire.net — January 23, 2017) Orlando, FL — According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis may have existed since the Ice Age. This is based on the skeletons that were discovered that showed the signs of the condition. There are many facts that osteoarthritis sufferers should know about.

Rheumatologists reveal the important details about primary and secondary osteoarthritis. This condition causes stiffness and aches, and is considered as the most common arthritic condition in the world.

In the United States, more than 27 million people are suffering from the condition. There are two types of arthritis, primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is also known as the wear and tear osteoarthritis, which is one that is most commonly diagnosed. While there are no significant differences in terms of how these types make sufferers feel, there is a difference when it comes to what causes them.

Cartilage breakdown often results in bone growths or spurs. When there is a wear and tear in the cartilage, the joints become swollen and inflamed. This may result in further damage to the cartilage.

It is important to note that the cartilage protects the bones from rubbing each other during movements. When the cartilage wears away, it causes friction between bones and this does not just lead to swelling and stiffness but also physical limitations.

According to Yusuf Yazici, MD, a rheumatologist at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York, arthritis tends to impact individuals who are around 55 or 60 years old. It is easy to assume that this type of arthritis is associated with aging. The longer the joints are used, the more likely this type of osteoarthritis develops.

Secondary osteoarthritis, on the other hand, develops due to a specific cause, such as obesity, genetics, injury, inactivity, or the development of certain types of diseases. Dr. Yazici states that this type of osteoarthritis typically impacts individuals around 45 or 50 years old.

Avoiding the risk factors of secondary osteoarthritis is essential for its prevention. It is recommended to maintain a healthy weight to reduce one’s risk of the condition.

Since this condition causes pain and immobility, many arthritis sufferers resort to the use of pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, this type of pain management option may cause side effects.

Due to the widespread scare in the side effects that may be linked with the use of pain medications, there are many arthritis sufferers who turn to the use of glucosamine supplements.

Glucosamine is widely believed to be safer than certain pharmaceutical drugs. It also has the potential to repair damaged cartilage and may even help to improve overall joint health.

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