Osteoarthritis – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the common types of arthritis. As per reports from the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million adults in the United States have been doctor-diagnosed with some type of arthritis. By 2030, the number of adults in the U.S. with arthritis is expected to increase to 67 million. Also called “degenerative joint disease”, OA occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. The condition makes the ends of the bones unprotected by making the joint lose its ability to move smoothly. It causes the bones to rub against each other causing acute pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of joint movement. Though the condition can occur in people of all age groups, it is most common in people above 65 years. In most cases, OA tends to occur in the joints of the hand, spine, hips, knees, and big toes. Common risk factors include increasing age, obesity, previous joint injury, overuse of the joint, weak thigh muscles, and genes. Symptoms vary from one person to another and may also depend on which joints are affected. Some of the common symptoms of include – Acute pain Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the fingers Joint aching and soreness (especially with movement) Sore or stiff joints (particularly the hips, knees, and lower back due to inactivity or overuse) Loss of flexibility and range of motion Effective Modalities to Treat Osteoarthritis Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis symptoms helps in better pain management. Acute joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of this disease and if this pain lasts more than two weeks, it is important to consult a physician. As part of the physical examination, physician will closely examine your affected joint and check for tenderness, swelling or redness in the joint. Imaging tests such as X-Ray, MRI scan or lab tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. Reliable healthcare centers in Brooklyn offer innovative treatment modalities that involve a combination of treatments that focus on improving pain and function. These include-
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Physical therapy – This treatment modality involves individualized exercise programs that help to strengthen the muscles around the joint, increase range of motion and reduce pain. It involves a combination of various therapeutic exercises to strengthen muscles and joint thereby improving its flexibility. Treatment programs would also include ultrasound, massage and myofascial release, traction, Ice or heat and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS).
Exercise – Exercise can improve a patient’s strength, mobility and range of motion. These generally include a unique combination of strengthening, stretching, isometric and aerobic programs that improve posture and flexibility.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) –NSAIDs are medications that are used to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin (Ecotrin), ibuprofen (Motrin), nabumetone (Relafen), and naproxen (Naprosyn).
Chiropractic care–This involves the use of the hands or a special device to apply a gentle force to correct to misalignments and relieve pressure on the nerves and tissue structures.
Injection therapies
- Injections of corticosteroid medicationsor hyaluronic acid such as
Monovisc and Orthovisc joint injections are also ideal options for relief from pain. Managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis needs a systematic approach. Lifestyle changes combined with effective treatment can help in managing the pain in a better manner.