Osteoarthritis |
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DESCRIPTION
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Osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis or degenerative joint disease, occurs when the cartilage that normally cushions a joint becomes soft and breaks down. A bone ""spur'' (a pointed growth) that causes swelling and redness around the tissue may develop. The problem is most common in the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and the back and neck regions of the spine. It usually affects those over 50 years of age. The changes in the joints are long-term.
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CAUSES
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The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown.
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SYMPTOMS
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The hallmarks of this disease are joint stiffness and pain. Joints may also swell. Cold and damp weather may make the aching worse. You may have trouble moving the affected joints; and when you do move them, you may hear a cracking sound. Usually, there is no fever, redness, or heat in the joints.
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CARE
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Heat and medicine can help relieve the pain.
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