Osteoarthritis Capitola

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting more than three million people annually in the United States. Osteoarthritis in the hip or knee can be a debilitating condition that is extremely painful and can often lead to other chronic health conditions if not treated properly. Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in the back can include shooting pain in the hip, groin, and thigh area. Osteoarthritis tremendously impacts the knee joints as the knee is also susceptible to regular wear and tear caused by the aging process and hard physical activity. Patients in their hips do generally not feel osteoarthritis pain that starts in the knees until the condition has begun to impact the nerves. Symptoms of Osteoarthritis usually peak in colder weather or when patients engage in physical activities.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down over time. The exact cause of osteoarthritis is often a combination of several factors, including:

• Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age as the cartilage becomes less resilient and more susceptible to wear and tear.
• Joint Injury: Previous injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can damage the cartilage and increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis.
• Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can predispose you to the condition, suggesting a genetic component.
• Obesity: Excess body weight stresses weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
• Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities that place repetitive stress on a particular joint can lead to osteoarthritis over time.
• Bone Deformities: Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage, which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to the degradation of cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis.

How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

We begin our assessment by understanding the specifics of your osteoarthritis. We'll ask questions about the onset of your symptoms, the type and intensity of your pain, and any activities that exacerbate or relieve it. We'll also look into the daily habits that might affect your condition.

Next, we'll conduct a physical examination to evaluate your posture, joint range of motion, and overall physical health. This includes assessing muscle strength and joint stability. Neurological tests will help us determine if nerve function is compromised.

Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs, which may have been conducted before your visit, will be reviewed to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Blood tests or joint fluid analysis might also be requested to get a clearer picture of your joint health. Our primary focus will be identifying the areas where you experience the most discomfort. If osteoarthritis impacts your quality of life, call us at (831) 200-0880 to schedule a consultation.