Osteoarthritis is the most frequent form of arthritis that majorly affects the older adults. This is among the most frequent causes of physical impairment in adults. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder that develops when the cartilage that cushions the edges of the bones inside the joints weaken with time. OA can affect any joint, but usually affects knees, hands, hips, the lower back and neck. The symptoms and signs are generally common in people above 50. However, do women have more susceptibility to OA? Let us find the answer to this below in this blog.
Osteoarthritis Signs
- The pain or ache in joints during exercise or after.
- Experiencing joint stiffness early in the morning or during rest.
- A limited range of motion, which could be lost after a movement.
- The sound of clicking or popping occurs when you bend your joint.
- Swelling in the joint.
- Weak joints.
- The knee is prone to buckling or joint instability.
Reasons Why Women Are at Higher Risk For OA
Listed below are a few reasons for the susceptibility of OA among females:
Weight
A common risk factor that causes OA among women is obesity. This not only causes stress to the joints but obesity causes a number of inflammatory factors that follow the development of osteoarthritis. Weight gain is a common complication in menopausal women that could explain a portion of the rise in OA observed in women during this period. Moreover, even if they have a controlled BMI, women suffer cartilage loss at a greater rate than males.
Anatomy
The next possible reason might be anatomical, since women have a wider hip area than the men that could create a greater load on knee.
Women are more susceptible to develop a condition called patellofemoral disorder. This is when the joint cap (patella) doesn’t move smoothly across the joint, but instead, it rubs against the lower region of the thigh bone (femur), causing discomfort. This constant rubbing of kneecap on the thigh bone creates wear and tear, leading to arthritis.
Hormones
Since the incidence of OA in women is higher during menopausal times; hormones may also have a role. Higher estrogen levels, like during the active phase of menstrual cycles or when pregnant, can be linked with a greater chance to lose knee joints. Moreover, estrogen and other hormones can have a key part in the inflammatory or metabolic pathways of chondrocytes. However, the research on the impact of these hormones on osteoarthritis is still ongoing.
Sports
Another possible explanation can be the injuries sustained during sports. Female athletes suffer the Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL tears at a more frequent rate than males. ACL tears link to the increased risk of osteoarthritis even after surgery repair.
Social and Societal Differences
The gender disparities in the availability of financial resources, social support and the way people make decisions and access healthcare can impact the different patterns of OA progression between males and females. Interestingly, women tend to undergo joint replacement surgery at a more advanced disease stage compared to the male counterparts.
Menopause and Osteoarthritis
During a menopausal situation, a woman experiences a decline in estrogen levels. The hormone plays an anti-inflammatory effect and its decrease could increase inflammation throughout the body, including joints.
The decrease in estrogen levels causes changes in bone density. A decrease in bone density could cause menopausal women more susceptible to injury or fractures and increase joint pain.
Women who are postmenopausal or menopausal and living with this disorder may experience symptoms like chronic lower back pain, stiffness in joints, a decrease in mobility around joints and more.
Certain aspects can make menopausal women more prone to developing osteoarthritis more. This could be due to bone deformity, obesity, nutrition deficiencies, diabetes, falls or injuries, family history and more.
Management and Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
A specialized doctor will help you with the most appropriate treatment option to ease your OA symptoms. Listed below are a few options that can help you manage your arthritis symptoms:
Medication
Using over-the counter pain relievers can help with inflammation and reduce pain. The doctors may also prescribe medication that you consume or apply to your skin for pain relief.
Exercise
The doctors suggest moving joints as it can ease stiffness and help strengthen surrounding muscles. You can try activities with low impact like aerobics, swimming, weight-training and more. Your physician may also recommend physical therapy sessions.
Cold and Heat Therapy
You can also try applying cold or heat on your joint pain to reduce stiffness and pain. Seek advice from a medical expert about when you need to apply the heating pad, ice packs or cool compress.
Complementary Therapy
You can also go for complementary treatments like acupuncture massage therapy, Tai Chi and dietary supplements as an alternative with other treatments. But, you must necessarily seek advice from your doctor before beginning with any therapy or nutritional supplements.
Supportive Devices
You can also prefer wearing braces or shoe inserts to help stabilize and support your joints. A walker or a cane may help relieve pressure from your affected joints and let you move safely.
Surgery
The majority of people do not need surgical intervention to relieve osteoarthritis.However, the medical specialist may suggest surgery if you’re experiencing extreme symptoms and alternative treatment options do not work. The surgical options may include knee repair or arthroplasty.
Prevention
The women of all ages must take steps to lower their chance of developing osteoarthritis. Listed below are a few prevention tips for OA:
- Ensure to maintain an appropriate weight.
- Women must include fitness in their routine.
- They must work on their flexibility and stay strong to minimize the risk of injuries.
- Talk to your doctor about the most effective treatment option if you notice signs related to arthritis.
Wrap Up!
If you are someone noticing the signs related to Osteoarthritis, immediately visit a specialist. The most effective treatment to treat osteoarthritis is to see an experienced healthcare professional immediately, particularly in cases where they make your normal routine difficult. You can follow the tips we mentioned above to control your symptoms. However, the experts at Gadge Hospital will assist you in finding the right combination of treatments to keep your joints active and protected.