Osteoarthritis is divided into several types.

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on April 24, 2025
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Osteoarthritis can be divided into two major categories based on the presence of local or systemic causative factors: primary osteoarthritis and secondary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis is mainly associated with factors such as age, obesity, occupation, and overuse. Secondary osteoarthritis can be seen in the following diseases: First, it is mechanical or anatomical abnormalities, such as abnormal joint development, acute and chronic joint injuries, etc. Second, it is severe joint diseases, such as septic arthritis, tuberculous arthritis, etc. Third, it involves metabolic abnormalities, such as gouty arthritis. Fourth, it involves endocrine abnormalities, such as acromegaly, hyperparathyroidism, etc., all of which can trigger osteoarthritic changes to some extent.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is it good to use heat therapy for osteoarthritis?

First of all, it should be positively affirmed that electrothermal therapy has a very good effect on patients with osteoarthritis, and it is very effective. Electrothermal therapy can promote local blood circulation and thereby facilitate the absorption of local inflammatory exudates, which can effectively alleviate the pain symptoms caused by osteoarthritis. Additionally, for osteoarthritis patients, besides electrothermal therapy, they can also take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and drugs that nourish cartilage for treatment. Moreover, it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise, minimize local irritation as much as possible, and persist in applying local heat compresses or hot washing daily. During hot washing, Sichuan peppercorn and salt could be added to the hot water for the treatment.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis

Osteoarthritis and arthritis are different. Firstly, osteoarthritis refers to degenerative changes in the joints, mainly caused by aging and chronic strain, leading to damage to the joint cartilage. This results in symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and limited mobility, which are characteristics of osteoarthritis. The scope of arthritis, however, is broader. Depending on the cause, arthritis can be divided into many types, including osteoarthritis, which is a type of arthritis. Other types include septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis. Therefore, there is a distinction between the two. Arthritis covers a wider range, while osteoarthritis is simply a type of arthritis that involves the bones.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Osteoarthritis contraindications

Patients with osteoarthritis should reduce joint load and excessive movements, and obese patients should pay attention to weight loss to avoid aggravating cartilage damage. When symptoms are severe, a cane can be used to alleviate the burden on the joints. In terms of diet, one can eat more foods rich in vitamins, mainly various vegetables and fruits, and also consume foods high in calcium appropriately. Patients with arthritis should also pay attention to protecting the joint areas, and guard against cold and dampness to avoid exacerbating symptoms. When symptoms are severe, medication can also be used for treatment, such as anti-inflammatory analgesics and drugs that nourish cartilage, which can play a role in improving symptoms and delaying the progression of the disease. When mobility is impaired, surgical treatment might be necessary.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Osteoarthritis complications

In clinical practice, there are many complications associated with osteoarthritis, mainly reflected in the following aspects. First, the presence of osteoarthritis causes the joints to exhibit obvious symptoms of swelling and pain. Often due to the pain and swelling, patients are reluctant to move, and prolonged inactivity can lead to joint stiffness and significant muscle atrophy in the affected areas. Second, osteoarthritis often leads to the extensive detachment of joint cartilage, making it easy for free bodies to form within the joint. Third, the presence of osteoarthritis may lead to the development of bursitis in patients. Fourth, osteoarthritis can also cause damage to the meniscus.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
55sec home-news-image

Osteoarthritis is divided into several types.

Osteoarthritis can be divided into two major categories based on the presence of local or systemic causative factors: primary osteoarthritis and secondary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis is mainly associated with factors such as age, obesity, occupation, and overuse. Secondary osteoarthritis can be seen in the following diseases: First, it is mechanical or anatomical abnormalities, such as abnormal joint development, acute and chronic joint injuries, etc. Second, it is severe joint diseases, such as septic arthritis, tuberculous arthritis, etc. Third, it involves metabolic abnormalities, such as gouty arthritis. Fourth, it involves endocrine abnormalities, such as acromegaly, hyperparathyroidism, etc., all of which can trigger osteoarthritic changes to some extent.