Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is a kind of arthritis that affects the cartilage between bones. It can cause damage to any joint in the body.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It can affect adults of any age but is seen more frequently in older people.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis often affects areas like the knees, hips, hands, and joints. In this disorder, the cartilage covering the ends of your bones wears or breaks down with time.

Once the condition afflicts a person, there is no way to reverse it. But there are a few changes in lifestyle and treatment options that can improve pain and movement.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect joints slowly. The symptoms of osteoarthritis can also worsen with time. You may experience the following:

• Pain: The joints affected by osteoarthritis pain when there is movement.
• Stiffness: There is stiffness in joints after hours of inactivity or on waking up.
• Uncomfortable Movement: Some people cannot move their joints properly.
• Swelling
• Tenderness: On applying light pressure, the joints may feel tender.
• Inflammation

Cause of Osteoarthritis

The cartilage is a firm tissue that is softer than the bones and one that connects many bones. For example, it is present at the elbows, knees, and ankles.

But, if you have osteoarthritis, these cartilages undergo wear and tear. Eventually, your bones start rubbing against each other. Apart from this, osteoarthritis affects the entire joint. This gradual deterioration of joints is the cause of osteoarthritis.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice the above symptoms, you may have osteoarthritis. If you observe stiffness in your joints that won't go away, you should consider consulting a doctor.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Koramangala, Bangalore.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the Possible Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis?

These factors can increase the risks of developing osteoarthritis:

• Old Age: Older people are at a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis.
• Obesity: Increase in weight can add stress to the weight-bearing joints.
• Sex: Women are more likely to get osteoarthritis.
• Joint Injuries: Injuries during sports or accidents can result in osteoarthritis.
• Genetics: Some people inherit defective cartilages.

What can be some Complications of Osteoarthritis?

If left untreated, there can be some complications associated with osteoarthritis. It can give rise to chronic pain that can make daily activities difficult. If the pain is too intense, it can cause depression and disturb a patient’s sleep.

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

The following are a few treatment options for osteoarthritis:

• Medication
  The doctor may suggest medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They primarily help relieve osteoarthritis pain.
• Surgery
  If conservative ways do not work for you, the doctor may suggest surgery. It can include realigning of bones. It mainly works well for people who are affected by osteoarthritis in the knee.
  Another way is joint replacement. The doctor removes the damaged joint surface and replaces it with plastic or metal artificial joints.
• Therapy
  Two types of therapy can help people with osteoarthritis. They are occupational therapy and physical therapy. Physical therapists can show people exercises that can strengthen the muscles around the joints.
  Occupational therapy shows the patient how to perform daily activities without applying pressure on the affected joints.
• Lifestyle Changes
  There are a few things that the doctor may suggest to help you change your lifestyle. For example, if osteoarthritis is because of weight, the doctor may ask you to lose weight.
  The doctor may also suggest you exercise as being active can reduce pain. But it should not be strenuous exercise, as it can cause joint pain.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis can be painful, but an early diagnosis can prove beneficial. It prevents the condition from becoming more severe, and doctors can treat it more effectively.
Although the condition does not go away completely, with the help of suitable treatment, it can cause fewer problems. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise can also help.

Reference Links

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/

https://www.medicinenet.com/osteoarthritis/article.htm