Osteoarthritis (OA)sacro-iliac joints
Another little gift that came to light when I was scanned in 2009 was early onset OA. My Arthritis is in my sacro-iliac joints (SIJ), and doctors believe it's been caused by me moving abnormally because of my pelvic injury.
The Arthritis Foundation (USA) says: "OA is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage – the part of a joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement. As cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against one another. This can cause stiffness and pain that make it difficult for you to use that joint. Osteoarthritis can also damage ligaments, and muscles. Over time OA may create a need for joint replacements. There are two types of OA – primary and secondary. Primary OA is generally associated with aging and the "wear and tear" of life. The older you are, the more likely you are to have some degree of primary OA. However, not everyone gets it – not even the very old. That’s because OA is a disease, and not part of the normal ageing process. Secondary OA, in contrast, tends to develop relatively early in life, typically 10 or more years after a specific cause, such as an injury or obesity. OA occurs most often in the knees, hips and hands. Other joints, particularly the shoulders, can also be affected. OA rarely affects other joints, except as a result of injury or unusual physical stress. The pain and stiffness of OA can make it difficult to do daily activities including your job, play sports or even get around with ease. " |
SYMPTOMS (NHS Choices - UK)
Pain, especially when doing load-bearing activities, such as walking.
Short-lived stiffness in the morning, which improves in 30 minutes or less when you start to move.
Difficulty moving your affected joints or doing certain activities.
Joint tenderness.
Increased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while.
Joints appearing slightly larger or more 'knobbly' than usual.
A grating or crackling sound or sensation in your joints.
Limited range of movement in your joints.
Weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk).
Pain, especially when doing load-bearing activities, such as walking.
Short-lived stiffness in the morning, which improves in 30 minutes or less when you start to move.
Difficulty moving your affected joints or doing certain activities.
Joint tenderness.
Increased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while.
Joints appearing slightly larger or more 'knobbly' than usual.
A grating or crackling sound or sensation in your joints.
Limited range of movement in your joints.
Weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk).
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