Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Treatment & Diagnostics in Chembur, Mumbai

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints (synovial joints). It is characterized by focal loss of hyaline articular cartilage with the proliferation of new bone and remodeling of joint shape. It is the most common joint disease prevalent in India.

Types of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is classified in two ways. 

• The first classification is based on the etiology of the disease. Primary osteoarthritis does not have any underlying pathology,i.e., it is idiopathic. Secondary osteoarthritis is due to some underlying pathology such as trauma, obesity, AVN(avascular necrosis of neck of femur), developmental anomalies like Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and developmental dysplasia hip(DDH), etc.
• The second classification is based on the distribution of lesions in the body. It can be localized (less than three joints affected) or generalized (more than three joints).

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis generally starts with pain which increases with more activity and is relieved on rest. There is brief morning stiffness, unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which has a long period of morning stiffness. A decrease in the functionality of joints occurs primarily due to the thickening of the capsule of the joint. Symptoms also differ with regards to where the lesion is:

In generalized lesions, the clinical features will be as follows-

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling of interphalangeal joints
• Heberden’s node
• Bouchard’s node

In Osteoarthritis of knee, the clinical features are

• Pain
• Jerky gait
• Varus deformity
• Weakness and wasting of muscles
• Restricted flexion and extension

In Osteoarthritis of the hip, the clinical features are -
Pain

• Antalgic gait
• Restricted internal flexion

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Primary osteoarthritis does not have a specific cause per se. However, secondary osteoarthritis has particular causes, which are as follows-

1. Developmental- DDH
2. Endocrine-  Acromegaly
3. Traumatic- Fractures
4. Inflammatory- Gout
5. Metabolic-  Wilson's disease
6. Neuropathies- Syringomyelia
7. Miscellaneous - Paget's disease

When to See a Doctor

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease if not suspected and treated in time. You should see your orthopedic if you are a woman in your 60’s and experiencing symptoms like pain in the joints, restricted movement, etc.

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Risk Factors Associated with Osteoarthritis

Specific individuals are more prone to developing osteoarthritis than others due to the presence of certain risk factors. They are as follows-

• Hereditary
• Gender/ Hormonal status
• Obesity
• High bone mineral density
• Trauma
• Joint shape
• Alignment
• Usage of joints

Possible Complications of Osteoarthritis

Complications of osteoarthritis include

• Joint deformity and complete loss of function
• Muscle wasting
• Necrosis
• Formation of osteophytes( loose bodies resembling bone)

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Treatment of osteoarthritis can be broadly divided into:

Conservative management, which includes

• Physiotherapy
• Walking with support (crutches)
• Braces
• NSAIDs: Acetaminophen
• Cartilage protectors: Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate
• Lubrication- Inc. Hyaluronidase

Surgical management, which includes

• Arthroscopic joint washout
• High tibial osteotomy
• Unicondylar/Total knee replacement 
• Total hip replacement (THR)

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai 

Call 1860 500 1066 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent disease in India, and many people are affected by this disease every year. Extensive research on the disease has led to the invention of newer treatment modalities which has significantly reduced its morbidity and mortality. However, early detection, prevention, and screening are still of paramount importance.