In most cases, males aged 45 and above and females aged 55 and above are more prone to Osteoarthritis. The incidence and spread of this disease is more seen in case of Japan and other South East Asian countries. One of the main causes of Osteoarthritis is aging. As our body grows older, the bones and the cartilage start to get worn out due to the loss of water content. Gradually, this leads to complete loss of water from the cartilage and the complication creeps in.

One of the main ways of diagnosing Osteoarthritis is to look for signs of joint pain. The main symptom of the disease is acute pain in the joints which leads to partial or even complete immobility. As the joints get worn out, normal movement can put too much pressure on them thereby creating intense pain. In most cases, the joints also start swelling to aggravate the problem. The patient feels a stiff and burning sensation in the affected joint and in the surrounding muscles and tendons.

Usually, Osteoarthritis takes place in the hands, spine, feet and knees. However, it can also occur in smaller joints like fingers, elbows and so on.  When the affected area is touched or moved, the patient feels a sharp aching sensation which can be every painful. One can also experience tendon contraction or spasm sensation in the muscles. The pain tends to increase in the cold and humid months. At times, a sharp cracking sound known as “crepitus” can also be heard when the affected joint is moved or touched.

The symptoms of Osteoarthritis differ from patient to patient. While some may show signs of acute pain, others may not feel the pain in such an intense manner. In some patients, there can even be deformity of the affected region due to complete loss of the cartilage.

Osteoarthritis undoubtedly is a very common problem among the aged. However, if we are careful and identify the symptoms at an earlier stage, the disease can be completely cured through treatment.

Main causes of Spinal Arthritis
One of the main causes of spinal arthritis is stress and imbalance. Due to our fast life today, we go through a lot of stress at home, work place or wherever, which in turn creates muscle imbalances and stress in our spine to a great extent and thus the problem is created. Imbalances created in the level of hormones and food intake aggravates the problem to a great extent. It may vary from person to person and accordingly the symptoms are diagnosed.

Some other factors like degenerative disorder of the bones and high calcium formation can also lead to spinal arthritis. At times, injuries and surgeries of the past can also indirectly weaken the spine region and lead to the disease. Whatever is the cause, proper diagnosis and treatment can cure the disease to a great extent.

The most common symptom of spinal arthritis is pain and a feeling of stiffness in the neck, head, shoulders and the back region. Due to high strain, the nerves and tissues in the area become compressed which leads to acute pain. Gradually, the complication starts to increase and in acute stages, the patient may even suffer from deformity of the spine. In some cases, the patients of spinal arthritis can as well suffer from spurs in the bones and herniated discs.

Based on the condition and extent of Spinal arthritis, the symptoms will differ. Patients who are in the preliminary stage will experience lesser complications than the ones in the acute stage. The pain may take place intermittently while some patients may feel unbearable pain for a longer period of time. Some patients may also suffer from irregular urination.

Treatment of spinal arthritis

One of the major treatments of spinal arthritis is to prevent the movement of the neck and the back through the means of a bracing and cervical collar. In cases of acute arthritis, doctors recommend surgery. Some of the commonly used medicines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, codeine and morphine and so on. Additionally, one can also opt for alternative treatments such as therapeutic work outs, yoga and relaxation, hot packs, electric and ultrasound stimulation and others.

If diagnosed properly, spinal arthritis can be cured easily and the patient can lead a normal lifestyle with ease.

A simpler definition of it is that the legs are Bowlegged if ankles are in a position touch each other but the unbent knees don’t touch. In mild cases, it can be corrected until a child is 3 years. If one of the legs is bowed, then the reason might be turning of leg bone due to birth injury or genetic disorder of the knees.

Diagnostic procedure and Study

During routine check ups, the baby’s legs are examined by a pediatrician. If the bowlegs are not more than 20 degrees, then the chances of correction will be automatic. However if the same is more than 20 degree, then after eighteen months, it might cause pain during walking and urgent orthopedic medical care will be required. Mild bowlegs that do not become straight by four years will also need medical attention.

When the child is diagnosed, the family will be asked for medical history, birth injuries and nutrition. A medical x ray might show injuries o deformities. If there is some history of knock knees or bowlegs, then it is due to genetic factors. It could also be due to Blount disease wherein the bone in the shin area curves inwards and the growth ceases to function properly.

This problem is generally developed in infants who walk in early stages or are obese and short. This can also appear during adolescence. Bowed legs might also indicate rickets which is deficiency in Vitamin D due to improper nutrition or lack of the exposure to the sunlight or genetic disability of absorbing vitamin.

With insufficient vitamin D, the calcium levels cannot be used and the end result being deformed and soft bones. Nutritional forms of rickets are uncommon in United States as the fortified milk and basic vitamin D nutrition is always there. In such cases a lab test will detect a genetic disorder.

Medical treatment

If the bow worsens or is severe, surgery and braces is the first consideration. Correction needs to be done as soon as possible. Immediate medical care needs to be taken and should start up with braces. If this medical treatment does not show positive results, then surgery is required for correction of the faulty knee. Generally Blount’s disease requires surgery for rotation of skin bone to proper place. If this is not done, then the condition might eventually result in disabled knee joints.

The Nutritional rickets is medically treated with huge dosage of the vitamin D. The medical treatment of rickets that’s caused due to genetic defect will vary from the nature of disorder. Alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropathy, etc. can be used for treating this problem. Light therapy will expose the patient to ultraviolet lamp or sunlight which gives Vitamin D. Even massage therapy might be helpful. Nutritional therapy, self treatment can also help a lot.