Joint Deformities

Our body consists of muscles and skeleton. The skeleton aids in movement and supports our bodily weight. The bones in our body have the most rigid form of tissue, also called as the connective tissues. Human bones are connected with each other by joints.
The human skeleton forms the strongest part of the body. The human body as well as the human skeleton are both susceptible to diseases. Our skeletons too can become weak and become prone to diseases. These disorders or diseases are called genetic disorders. Skeletal deformities are also one of the prominent disorders, also known as Arthritis. Arthritis causes joints to swell which may be quite painful and cause pain while walking.

Causes:

Our bones are covered with a rubbery substance called the cartilage. The cartilage acts a cushion and absorbs the impact or shock on the bones. Osteoarthritis is caused when the cartilage wears away and leaves the bones unprotected. Due to this wear and tear of the cartilages, the bone ends friction and causes pain to the joints. It may lead to swelling, eventually.
Age is one of the factor that plays a crucial role. The occurrence of osteoarthritis may happen at any point of time of life. Weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine and feet are more susceptible. Being over-weight may also be one of the risk factors. Osteoarthritis is more common in female than male. Family history of osteoarthritis can also be a cause. People of labor intensive occupation, bearing-loading heavy weights may also be prone to osteoarthritis.

Symptoms:

  • Pain- One of the most common signs of osteoarthritis. Inflammation is also a common occurrence.
  • Stiffness- The affected joints suffer from stiffness and may be noticed frequently.
  • Deformity-Due to bone growths and loss of cartilage, deformity of the affected part may occur. Herberdens nodes are the ones that occur at the end of finger joints. Bone growths in the middle finger joints are called Bouchards nodes. Bow- leggedness or breakdown of knee cartilage may result in external curving of knees.
  • Creptius: A crackling sound while walking or the feeling of the boned grating is usually noticed in arthritis. As the bones rubs against each other, the friction increases due to the breakdown of cartilage and increases bone friction.

Treatment:

  • Maintain body weight
  • Non- weight exercise daily to strengthen muscles.
  • Physiotherapeutic exercises.
  • Regular medications
  • Vitamin and other nutritional supplements
  • Healthy diet
  • Surgery