A Perfect Guide To Understanding Osteoarthritis

Commonly referred to as ‘wear and tear arthritis’, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis marked by the gradual wearing out of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones. The condition affects millions of people worldwide and is likely to affect the knees, hips, spine and hands. Medication can help to relieve the symptoms, but it is not possible to completely reverse the joint damage. Joint replacement specialists from Jaipur suggest that most of the patients opting for knee and hip replacement surgery were found to be suffering from osteoarthritis.

Various symptoms you need to look out for

Some of the common symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, as listed by the doctors hailing from the best hospital in Jaipur include:

• Severe joint pain that aggravates on movement

• Joint stiffness that decreases the range of motion

• Tenderness which worsens on applying pressure

• Decreased joint flexibility

• Grating sensation produced by the rubbing of bones

• Bone spurs

• Swelling and inflammation  

What are the risk factors associated with osteoarthritis? 

Here are some factors that can increase your risks of developing osteoarthritis:

• Age- Elderlies are more likely to acquire the problem as compared to younger people. 

• Sex-Studies have shown that women are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially after menopause, due to the decrease in the oestrogen levels in their body.

• Obesity- Extra body weight means extra pressure on the joints which leads to unhealthy wear and tear.

• Severe joint injuries- Severe blows to the joints sustained in an accident may also contribute to the risks of osteoarthritis. 

• Repeated joint strain-Indulging in rigorous sports and activities on a daily basis can also lead to chronic wear and tear often resulting in osteoarthritis. 

• Genetics-It is very much possible to inherit the tendency of developing osteoarthritis. 

• Bone deformities- These might be present since birth or developed later due to some underlying medical condition.

• Metabolic diseases- These include diabetes and haemochromatosis. 

Is there any way to diagnose osteoarthritis? 

Yes, it is possible to diagnose osteoarthritis with the help of detailed examination and various diagnostic imaging tests that include:

• X-rays 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Doctors may also recommend blood tests and joint fluid analysis to confirm the diagnosis. 

What are the various treatment options available?

• Medication-Medication is usually the first line of treatment and is given to relieve symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen may be recommended to people experiencing mild to moderate pain. In the case of chronic pain, the doctors may even recommend NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen.

• Lifestyle modifications- Maintaining a healthy weight can help to alleviate the complications caused by osteoarthritis. This helps to reduce unnecessary strain from your joints and keeps them healthy.

• Therapies-Therapy is one of the best and most trusted options for dealing with osteoarthritis-related pain and discomfort. This includes mild exercises that help to relieve pain and inflammation as well as prevent nor slow down further damage. 

• Injections- Injection are prescribed to give immediate relief from joint pain. These are directly administered into the body. Some common injections recommended by doctors include cortisone injections and lubrication injections. 

• Surgeries-It is usually the last resort of treatment recommended to patients who are not responding well to medication. Two of the most common surgical procedures offered at all the leading orthopaedics hospital in Jaipur include bone realignment and joint replacement. The former is commonly known as osteotomy and is best suited for patients with only one side of the knee affected. Joint replacement, on the other hand, involves the replacement of a damaged joint with a prosthetic joint.