Osteoarthrosis

Osteoarthrosis is a common disorder of synovial joints, seen most often in older patients. The joints affected most commonly are the knee, hip, hands and the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Involvement of other joints such as the ankle, wrist and shoulder is uncommon, and suggests a secondary etiology. Although osteoarthrosis may be present in many joints, symptoms are usually evident in one or two joints at the most. The three main symptoms are pain, morning stiffness and a tendency for the affected joint to gel with immobility. Treatment includes rest; weight loss; physiotherapy; aids such as canes, shoe lifts, and elastic knee supports; and judicious use of anti-inflammatory medications.