Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage that supports the protective tissue covering the ends of the bones in a joint. It is one of the most common types of arthritis that develops over some time. There are various reasons associated with this disease, and therefore, in this article, we will discuss the important reasons and solutions for osteoarthritis. 

If you are in Tucson and want a long-term solution regarding leg issues, then you can consult a Tucson podiatrist and get expert guidance from the doctors. 

What is Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the hands, fingers, hips, neck, ankles, and feet. The exact causes for this osteoarthritis are not known, especially when it comes to joints and tissue breakdown. It has been seen that it is a different process of tissue breakdown in which the wear and tear of the tissues are associated with osteoarthritis that damages the ankle and foot joints. It leads to associated pain, mobility issues, and low potential to deal with physical activities. 

What are the Common Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis? 

  • Age and Genetics: It is commonly seen that with age individuals develop this risk of getting osteoarthritis due to wear and tear. There can be some genetic predispositions that can cause osteoarthritis if the family has a similar medical history. 
  • Joint injury or trauma: If there are previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, then it can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. 
  • Obesity: There might be chances that the excess body weight can place excessive stress on weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips, contributing to the development of osteoarthritis. 
  • Joint overuse: If there is repetitive use of specific joints due to occupation or other activities, it can cause the breakdown of cartilage and ultimately cause the problem of osteoarthritis. 

What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis has significant symptoms such as pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling of the foot and ankle. The intensity of the pain may vary in different persons depending on various factors such as disease progression. 

It is often seen that the symptoms will be visible only for a few minutes and it worsens when there is pressure on joints. There is no blood test available for osteoarthritis, and doctors diagnose this problem with a combination of X-rays and MRIs. So, if you face any of these issues, it is better to consult a doctor and find a solution as soon as possible.