How to Treat and Manage Osteoarthritis Effectively
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that features the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Also called wear and tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, the disease occurs when the cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time and causes the bones to rub against each other. This causes pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving the joint. This joint disorder most commonly affects joints in hands, knees, hips and spine. Common risk factors include obesity, aging, joint overuse, weak muscles, previous joint injury and genetics. Pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer a variety of treatment modalities to alleviate pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (OA). What causes Osteoarthritis? Several factors can increase a person’s chance of developing OA such as obesity, joint overuse and injury. It can also develop due to heredity or old age. This disease affects different people in different ways. Though OA generally affects middle-aged and older people, it can develop in younger people as well. Symptoms may vary from person to person and also depend on which joints are affected. Common Symptoms OA symptoms develop slowly and worsen over time and include Pain Tenderness Joint stiffness Loss of flexibility Bone spurs Diagnosis and Treatment Early diagnosis is an important step in treating osteoarthritis. Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of this disease and if the pain lasts for more than two weeks it is advisable to consult a physician. As part of the initial diagnosis, pain management doctors will closely examine your affected joint checking for tenderness, swelling and redness and for range of motion in the joint. They may also recommend imaging tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and lab tests like blood and joint fluid analysis. In multispecialty healthcare centers offer a wide range of nonsurgical treatment modalities to alleviate the pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (718) 769-2521
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Physical therapy –Physical therapy exercise programs can strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, increase range of motion, and reduce pain. Treatment programs would also include ultrasound, massage and myofascial release, traction, Ice or heat and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS).
Chiropractic care –Chiropractic treatment involves the use of hands or a special device to apply a gentle force to correct to misalignments and relieve pressure on the nerves and tissue structures.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – NSAIDs include aspirin (Ecotrin), ibuprofen (Motrin), nabumetone (Relafen), and naproxen (Naprosyn and are used to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
Exercise – These generally include a unique combination of strengthening, stretching, isometric and aerobic programs that improve posture and flexibility.
Injection therapies - Injections of corticosteroid medications, hyaluronic acid may offer pain relief by providing some cushioning in your knee.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Osteoarthritis Managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis needs a systematic approach. Lifestyle changes combined with effective treatment helps in managing pain in a better manner. People who engage in proper physical activity can better manage the disease. Adequate physical exercise can strengthen muscles around the joints, making them more stable. Walking, swimming, agility exercises, strengthening exercises and water aerobics are a few popular types of exercises recommended for people suffering from this chronic joint condition.
(718) 769-2521
www.hqbk.com
info@hqbk.com