OA of the hip can lead to severe disability as well. A common symptom reported is pain when putting weight on the hip joint. OA in the spine can lead to the formation of spurs or decreased space between the disks. Comprehensive treatment for OA begins with decreasing trauma and stress to the joint, reducing inflammation and pain, and maintaining range of motion. Surgery may be necessary if there is severe joint damage.
Surgery can be effective in improving a person's functional ability.
While the exact cause of RA is unknown, it involves an infectious trigger most likely to be a virus. As in OA, there is a generic predisposition. Most patients with RA are women between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. When RA disease is active, the tissue covering the internal surface of the joint becomes inflamed because of cells stimulated by the immune system. This can cause cartilage, bone and tendon damage.