How Does Osteoarthritis Affect People? |
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Osteoarthritis affects each person differently. In some people, it progresses more quickly; in others, the symptoms are more serious. Scientists do not yet know what causes the disease, but they suspect a combination of factors in the body and in the environment. Also, diet, weight, and stresses on the joints from certain jobs affect the disease and how a person reacts to it. Osteoarthritis hurts people in more than their joints: their finances and lifestyles are also affected. Financial effects include - The cost of treatment
- Wages lost because of disability.
Lifestyle effects include
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Feelings of helplessness
- Limits on daily activities
- Job limitations
- Loss of everyday family joys and responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, most people with osteoarthritis can lead active and productive lives. They succeed by using osteoarthritis treatment strategies such as
- Pain relief medications
- Rest and exercise
- Patient education and support programs
- Learning self-care and having a "good-health attitude."
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What Areas Does Osteoarthritis Affect? Osteoarthritis most often occurs at the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees, and hips. |
Osteoarthritis Basics: the Joint and Its Parts 
back to Osteoarthritis: The Fundamentals
Excerpted from Handout on Health: Osteoarthritis, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The NIAMS, a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leads the Federal medical research effort in arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. The NIAMS supports research and research training throughout the United States as well as on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, and disseminates health and research information. The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NAMSIC) is a public service sponsored by the NIAMS that provides health information and information sources. Additional information and research updates can be found on the NIAMS Web site at http://www.nih.gov/niams/.
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