Arthritis is a commonly occurring condition characterized by the inflammation of joints. Common symptoms of the condition include pain and joint stiffness leading to restricted overall mobility. There are several forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthritis – out of which osteoarthritis is the most frequently occurring condition. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment can help tackle the painful symptoms and reduce the extent of joint damage that may be caused by this condition. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms that may point to arthritis, it is best advised to reach out to a bone specialist in Gurgaon, Delhi and nearby places for immediate medical attention. You can also tele-consult a doctor and receive your doctor’s advice online. Continuing on the subject, in this blog post, we present a brief overview of osteoarthritis. Read on. 

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition affecting the joints. As they carry the most weight and are under constant stress in everyday life, joints are more prone to wear and tear damage, leading to painful conditions such as osteoarthritis. 

The joints in our body contain cartilage – a tough, smooth, and slippery tissue that facilitates the free movement of bones. In people suffering from osteoarthritis, thinning of the cartilage can be observed. It then leads to discomfort and pain while moving the joints normally, which is why it’s better to see an orthopedic doctor in Delhi or nearby places before the pain or discomfort gets worse. While most people tend to get affected by osteoarthritis as they grow older, there are several other factors that can also cause this condition. 

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Apart from old age, here are a few other factors that can lead to osteoarthritis. 

Obesity

Excess weight means more pressure on the knee joints, which ultimately erodes the cartilage and raises the risk of arthritis. According to the experts, one pound increase in weight equals three pounds of extra pressure on the knee joint. Maintaining a healthy weight, in essence, will reduce the chances of developing osteoarthritis. 

Genetic Factors

The probability of developing osteoarthritis goes higher if there is a family history of the condition. While the condition affects both genders, women are more prone to inheriting the condition from their family. An individual whose parents have arthritis might inherit it in the same joints and at around the same age as their parents first developed the condition.

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Gender

Women are more prone to osteoarthritis in comparison to men. The estrogen hormone in women keeps a check on the inflammation, which is why younger women rarely suffer from this disease. When women grow older and the menopause approaches, the estrogen levels drop, thereby increasing the scope for joint inflammation which ultimately leading to osteoarthritis. When compared with men, women are more prone to obesity, and as discussed earlier, obesity also triggers the condition, putting women at a greater risk of osteoarthritis than men. 

The Last Word 

If you or a loved one are suffering from regular pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints for several days on end, it is advisable to reach out to an ortho specialist without any further delay. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help tackle the painful symptoms of the condition while decreasing the chances of further bone damage. Get in touch with a reputable physician aggregator in Gurgaon for connecting with an experienced orthopedic doctor in Delhi, Gurgaon, and other nearby locations. Look for physician aggregators offering online medical consultation where you can chat with a doctor or speak to a doctor online. While you may not be able to step out of your home due to the strict quarantine rules, you can still consult a doctor online and receive orthopedic doctor consultation without a hassle.