Willard Leopold

Recent Progress in Osteoarthritis Willard Leopold

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease, which is caused by a breakdown of the joint cartilage and underlying bone. It mainly affects the joints of the lower back, hips, neck, base of the thumbs, and the ones which are near the ends of the fingers. In osteoarthritis, the joints on one side of the body are usually more affected than the ones on the other side. Its symptoms include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It is generally caused due to mechanical stress on the joints and low grade inflammatory processes. Medications, including, naproxen and ibuprofen are quite effective in reducing the pain caused due to osteoarthritis. Other treatment methods include physical therapy, joint injections and joint replacement therapy. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to osteoarthritis. It consists of contributions made by international experts. This book, with its detailed analyses and data, will prove immensely beneficial to practicing doctors and medical students.