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Osteoarthritis is one of the most common and progressive joint conditions. It affects millions of individuals worldwide. Osteoarthritis most commonly impacts weight-bearing joints, such as knees, hips, and spine. The frequently used hand joints might also be affected. The result? Persistent discomfort. It can even challenge your daily activities.
However, living with osteoarthritis doesn't have to mean surrendering your quality of life. Rather, you need to learn and adapt to certain aspects by taking steps to manage your osteoarthritis symptoms. Read this blog to understand osteoarthritis causes and symptoms and effective solutions that can help you manage osteoarthritis more effectively and improve your quality of life.
Synopsis
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) can often be termed as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. However, this description barely scratches the surface. Protective cartilage cushions the ends of our bones. With osteoarthritis, this gradually breaks down. Think of your cartilage as a smooth, slippery coating. It helps your joints to move effortlessly. The deterioration of this coating causes the bones to rub against each other. Such a situation entails joint pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Osteoarthritis Causes: More Than Just Age
Ageing is a significant cause of osteoarthritis. Genetics also plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis. A family history of the condition increases your risk. Another factor is pre-existing joint conditions, such as those present at birth (congenital abnormalities of the joint).
Some people are also more prone to developing joint issues than others. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after menopause. This is due to hormonal changes with estrogen levels declining post-menopause.
Obesity or overweight is a significant cause of osteoarthritis. Obesity adds extra stress on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips, accelerating cartilage breakdown. Previous joint injuries (fractures/ligament tears) or repetitive stress from certain occupations (construction work/sports) can also damage cartilage and put you at an increased risk of developing knee and hip osteoarthritis later in life.
Recognizing Osteoarthritis Symptoms
OA doesn't announce itself with a loud alarm, but there can be subtle, persistent signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis you can look out for.
Below are the most common osteoarthritis symptoms:
- Joint pain that worsens with activity
- Morning stiffness that gradually eases
- Swelling around affected joints
- Reduced range of motion
- A grating sensation during movement
Women with knee osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis may experience more severe pain and disability compared to men. It can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, affecting her ability to perform daily activities and participate in social and recreational activities.
A Comprehensive Osteoarthritis Management Plan
Osteoarthritis treatment and management options include the following:
Weight Management:
For every extra pound, your joints will carry additional stress. Lose just 5-10% of your body weight by incorporating regular exercise and diet plans into your lifestyle. See how your joint pain gets reduced and slows down your OA progression. Please understand that, by reducing extra weight, you will allow your joints to breathe.
Exercise:
There is a popular belief regarding knee osteoarthritis that exercise is your enemy. However, this is untrue. You can incorporate low-impact activities into your schedule, such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc. They are incredibly therapeutic and help strengthen muscles surrounding your joints, improving your flexibility and eventually reducing your pain. This will also help in better support of the joints and more stabilized movement.
Nutrition and Joint Health:
A balanced diet can help manage osteoarthritis effectively. Anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, berries, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains act like natural medicine and work to reduce the stress associated with joint inflammation.
Osteoarthritis Treatment Options:
Osteoarthritis management isn't one-size-fits-all. It ranges from over-the-counter pain relievers and simple lifestyle modifications to prescription medications and, in advanced cases, surgical interventions.
Pharmacological options: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help in joint pain relief and reduced inflammation.
Topical treatments: Topical treatments like pain-relieving creams and gels containing capsaicin or lidocaine offer localized osteoarthritis pain relief.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can also be transformative. Our physical therapists in Bangalore can guide you through exercises and movement techniques that minimize joint stress, and improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Injections: For many cases where pain relievers or physical therapy have been unsuccessful, hyaluronic acid injections or corticosteroid injections can be used to restore lubrication and provide temporary relief from inflammation and joint pain in patients who are not candidates for total knee replacement.
Read our blog: Robotic Joint Replacement Using Stryker MAKO Robot
Surgical Intervention: Joint Replacement Surgery
For advanced osteoarthritis, Joint Replacement Surgery may be necessary. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR) are effective surgical options for relieving severe joint pain and restoring function of the knee and hip. Both conventional and robotic-assisted surgeries can be used to treat osteoarthritis. Robotic-assisted surgery is a newer and safer option that utilizes advanced technology to enhance precision and accuracy during the procedure. This can potentially lead to improved outcomes, such as faster recovery, reduced pain, and better joint function.
Read our blog: Robotic Knee Replacement - Future of Knee Surgery
The choice between conventional and robotic knee and hip replacement surgery depends on various factors, including the severity of the condition, individual patient needs, and surgeon expertise. As one of the best joint replacement surgery hospitals in Bangalore, we are equipped with top-notch facilities to offer robotic knee and hip replacement surgeries at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road.
Beyond Physical Management
Osteoarthritis not only affects the patient physically but also emotionally, as you may feel challenged. Consulting with top orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeons in Old Airport Road, Bangalore, participating in support groups, and engaging in stress-relieving activities like meditation can be beneficial in osteoarthritis management.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis might be a part of your life, but it doesn't define your life. With the right strategies for osteoarthritis treatment and adequate support, you can continue to live actively and joyfully.
