Osteoarthritiscan

Osteoarthritiscan is not a recognized medical term. It appears to be a misspelling or concatenation related to osteoarthritis. The content below describes osteoarthritis, the degenerative joint condition most often intended by that term.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a chronic, progressive disease of synovial joints. It involves deterioration of articular cartilage, changes in the subchondral bone, and varying degrees of synovial inflammation. The condition typically affects weightbearing joints such as the knees and hips, as well as the hands and spine. Onset is usually gradual and may be linked to age, mechanical stress, previous joint injury, obesity, and genetic factors.

Common symptoms include joint pain that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest, reduced range of motion, and occasional swelling or a grating sensation in the joint. Symptoms may fluctuate with activity and weather, and function can decline over time if joints become more deformed or painful.

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and imaging. A physician assesses joint symptoms and function, while X-rays can show joint space narrowing, bone spurs (osteophytes), and subchondral sclerosis. MRI can reveal early cartilage changes or associated soft-tissue problems. Blood tests help exclude inflammatory arthritides in unclear cases.

Management is multidisciplinary and aims to relieve pain, maintain joint function, and slow progression. Non-pharmacologic approaches include weight loss, aerobic and resistance exercises, physical therapy, and assistive devices. Pharmacologic options encompass acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical NSAIDs, and intra-articular corticosteroid injections. Hyaluronic acid injections have variable evidence. In advanced cases, surgical options such as joint replacement or osteotomy may be considered. Early guidance on activity and rehabilitation improves outcomes, though osteoarthritis remains a chronic condition with variable progression.