Osteoarthritis Health Article

Prognosis

OA is a progressive disorder without a permanent cure. In some patients, the rate of progression can be slowed by weight loss, appropriate exercise, surgical treatment, and the use of alternative therapies.

BOOKS

Fauci, A.S., et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1998:1935-41.

Hellman, David B. "Arthritis & Musculoskeletal Disorders." In Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 1998, edited by Lawrence M. Tierney, Jr., et al. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1998.

Neustadt, David H. "Osteoarthritis." In Conn's Current Therapy, edited by Robert E. Rakel. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 1998.

Theodosakis, Jason, et al. The Arthritis Cure. New York: St. Martin's, 1997.

PERIODICALS

Berger, R. G. "Intelligent Use of NSAIDs: Where Do We Stand." Expert Opinions in Pharmacotherapy no. 2(1) (January 2001):19-30.

Brandt, K. D. "The Role of Analgesics in the Management of Osteoarthritis." American Journal of Therapeutics (March 2000):75-90.

Little, C. V., T. Parsons. "Herbal Therapy for Treating Osteoarthritis." Cochrane Database System Review (2001): 1.

Pavelka, K. "Treatment of Pain in Osteoarthritis." European Journal of Pain (2000):23-30.

Schnitzer, T. J. "Osteoarthritis Management: The Role of Cyclooxygenase-2-selective Inhibitors." Clinical Therapeutics (March 2001):313-26.

Towheed, T. E. et al. "Glucosamine Therapy for Treating Osteoarthritis." Cochrane Database System Review (2001):1.

Liz Meszaros

KEY TERMS

Bouchard's nodes—Swelling of the middle joint of the finger.

Cartilage—Elastic connective tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones.

Heberden's nodes—Swelling or deformation of the finger joints closest to the fingertips.

Primary osteoarthritis—OA that results from hereditary factors or stresses on weight-bearing joints.

Secondary osteoarthritis—OA that develops following joint surgery, trauma, or repetitive joint injury.

Subchondral cysts—Fluid-filled sacs that form inside the marrow at the ends of bones as part of the development of OA.