Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder. It results from the breakdown of underlying bone and joint cartilage. Stiffness, joint pain, joint swelling and weakness in the arms and legs are some of its common symptoms. Sometimes, a person may also experience joint locking and joint instability. Joint injury and abnormal joint development are the main causes of osteoarthritis. X-rays are effective in diagnosing osteoarthritis. Changes in joints, like joint space narrowing, osteophytes and subchondral sclerosis can be detected easily through X-rays. Exercise and analgesics are the most effective strategies to relieve the pain caused by osteoarthritis. Other treatment methods include physical therapy, manual therapy, use of knee braces, joint injection, osteotomy, arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement surgery. The topics included in this book on osteoarthritis are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It aims to elucidate the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis. This book is an essential guide for clinicians, doctors and medical students.