Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that progresses slowly & gets worse over time. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the affected joints during movement
• Joint stiffness in the mornings or after a period of inactivity
• Restricted range of motion
• Popping or crackling sounds
• Formation of bone spurs
• Inflammation of soft tissue around the joint

There are several factors that can enhance one’s risk of developing this degenerative disease. These factors include:

Older age:

Osteoarthritis is often seen in individuals over the age of 50

Gender:

Research indicates that women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, although the reasons are not very clear.

Obesity:

Increased weight adds severe stress on weight bearing joints like the hips & knees. Further, the fat tissue can also cause inflammation in & around the joints.

Joint Injuries:

Sports injuries or injuries from an accident can increase a person’s risk of osteoarthritis. Even injuries which may have occurred years ago & have healed , also increase risk of osteoarthritis.

Repeated stress on joint:

Athletes are at a higher risk of developing this condition as sports tend to put a lot of pressure on the joint either with running or pivoting.

Genetics:

Osteoarthritis may also be inherited from one’s parents.

Metabolic diseases:

Certain metabolic diseases like diabetes can lead to osteoarthritis

Treatment for osteoarthritis may involve:

Medications:

These may include pain medications such as acetaminophen, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain & inflammation

Physiotherapy:

Physiotherapy can help strengthen muscles around the joint, increase your flexibility and reduce pain. Regular exercise, swimming & walking can also be equally effective

Surgical Procedures:

If the other treatments do not help, your doctor may recommend procedures like:

• Cortisone injections
• Lubrications Injections
• Realigning bones
• Joint Replacement

At Elite Orthopedics, our team of doctors have helped patients with Osteoarthritis to manage they pain effectively. If you or a loved one is suffering from osteoarthritis, consult our specialists today.