| A large, untreated population lives with the chronic pain associated with OA. For these patients, everyday activities, such as walking, driving, lifting, standing, and exercising – even lying down to sleep or rest – become extremely painful and, at times, impossible. Patients with OA also express a greater level of emotional stress than those without arthritis or other health issues. A recent survey conducted by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) shed light on the serious effects joint pain and stiffness caused by OA has on the everyday lives and overall health of the millions of Americans with the disease. Sufferers reported gaining an average of 42 pounds since their diagnosis, which can be attributed in part to their inability to exercise as much as they would like to, a feeling expressed by 75% of OA sufferers. Loss of sleep, which can take a serious toll on personal and professional relationships, productivity and public safety, is another negative consequence of OA. Sixty-five percent of sufferers reported losing two or more hours of sleep per night due to pain caused by OA.
OA is a progressive disease; however, the path of progression is variable from patient to patient. While early treatment can slow progression, affected joints generally continue to deteriorate as a person ages. OA can occur in any joint, but it is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. When OA becomes severe and the cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs – small growths called osteophytes – may grow on the edges of the joint. Pieces of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space causing even more pain and damage. |
