Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body. It commonly occurs in the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine. It also affects the fingers, thumb, neck, and large toe.
Due to osteoarthritis, the cartilage in joints becomes stiff and loses its elasticity, making them more prone to damage. The cartilage may deteriorate over time, diminishing its shock-absorbing ability. Tendons and ligaments are stretched as cartilage deteriorates, which causes pain. If the condition worsens, the bones could rub against each other.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Joint aching and soreness
- Pain after an activity
- Pain after long periods of rest
- Painful enlargements in the middle and end joints of the
- Joint swelling
Osteoarthritis in the Hands
Osteoarthritis in the hands is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. It usually happens in three places: The base of your thumb, where it meets your wrist. One of the joints closest to your fingertips.
Osteoarthritis in the Hip
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a serious condition. The most common symptom of hip osteoarthritis is pain. This hip pain develops slowly and worsens over time, although sudden onset is also possible. Pain and stiffness may be worse in the morning, or after sitting or resting for a while.
Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis?
- Age and gender. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis, but the reason is unclear.
- Joint injuries. Osteoarthritis is a disease that can result from injuries, such as those sustained during sports or in accidents.
- Repeated stress on the joint. If your job or a sport you play places repetitive stress on a joint has risk of osteoarthritis.
- Genetics. Having a family history of this condition increases your risk too.
- Bone deformities. Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage.
- Certain metabolic diseases. There are several conditions in which your body has too much iron, such as diabetes.
How Does Obesity Influences Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition caused by obesity, and the heavier you are, the greater your risk. Increased weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, such as your hips and knees. Also, fat tissue produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around your joints. Exercising and losing weight are important ways to lessen the joint pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis.
Does Weight Loss Alleviate Osteoarthritis-related Pain?
Minor weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce your pain. Talk to a dietitian about healthy ways to lose weight. Studies have shown that obese individuals who are losing one pound of weight resulted in four pounds of pressure being removed from the knees. In other words, losing just more pounds would relieve pressure from your knees or in other painful areas caused by osteoarthritis.
Using HCG Diet for Safer Weight Loss
The HCG diet is a combination protocol of HCG injections and VLCD. It causes rapid fat loss without affecting your muscle mass. Using the HCG shots for weight loss can also suppress your appetite and curb hunger. As a result, you will overcome your unhealthy eating habits and manage your cravings throughout the process.