Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines osteoarthritis as a joint disease that
mostly affects cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in
a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other. It also helps absorb the
shock of movement.
With osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage wears away - causing the bones underneath
the cartilage to rub together. This rubbing can cause pain, swelling, and loss of motion.
Over time, the joint may lose its shape, and bone spurs may grow on the edges of the
joint. Sometimes bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space,
causing more pain and damage.
If you think you may suffer from chronic osteoarthritis pain,
ask your doctor if
ULTRAM® ER is the right course of treatment for you.
Some statistics about osteoarthritis pain:
According to the NIH,
- Osteoarthritis affects nearly 21 million people in America age 25 and older.
- By the age of 65, half of the population shows signs of having osteoarthritis in at least one joint.
- After the age of 45, women are more affected by osteoarthritis than men.
What causes osteoarthritis?
The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but may be caused by factors, such as:
- Being overweight
- Getting older
- Joint injury
- Genetic defects in joints or cartilage
- Stresses on the joints from certain activities
Osteoarthritis warning signs.
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are:
- Joint stiffness after sitting or laying down for a long time
- Swelling or tenderness in one or more joints
- A crunching feeling, or the sound of bones rubbing together
How is osteoarthritis pain treated?
Osteoarthritis pain treatment plans can involve:
How Osteoarthritis may affect your body
There are a few joints where one might experience chronic osteoarthritis pain. Learn a little more about some here.
Knee
Hip
