Tag: Arthritis

Aging Bones and Joints

Osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal degenerative conditions of aging affect millions of adults resulting in pain, dysfunction and decreased quality of life. In an aging active population, what can be done to prevent these degenerative changes, treat them when they occur, and restore individuals back to an active high functioning lifestyle?

This series presented by leaders in the field from the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, sheds light on current and future directions of orthopaedic surgery in treating degenerative conditions from our fingers to our toes.

Browse more programs in Aging Bones and Joints: Understanding Fractures and Cutting-Edge Approaches in Orthopaedics.

Arthritis – From Snake Oil to Science and Success

8232Achy, stiff joints brought on by osteoarthritis have been experienced by many millions of people for a very long time. Experts have found skeletons dating to the Ice Age that show signs of osteoarthritis.

Sometimes called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common condition that many people develop during middle age or older. In 2011, more than 28 million people in the United States were estimated to have osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

Unfortunately, Osteoarthritis often gradually worsens and no cure exists. While new information and new medications may seem like magical cure-alls, it is important to take a deeper look before making treatment decisions. In this Stein Institute for Research on Aging presentation, Gregory Middleton, MD shares the symptoms and causes of OA, current treatments, and how to make informed choices about medications and disease management.

Watch Arthritis – From Snake Oil to Science and Success.