What is Osteoarthritis?

 

Osteoarthritis, also known as "wear and tear" arthritis, occurs when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of your bones gradually wears away. This leads to pain and stiffness that worsens over time, making it difficult to do daily activities.

 

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It develops slowly and most often occurs during middle age.

 

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many treatment options available to help manage pain and keep people staying active.

 

What causes Osteoarthritis?

 

With osteoarthritis, the articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints gradually wears away. Where there was once smooth articular cartilage that allowed the bones to glide easily against each other when the joint bent and straightened, there is now a frayed, rough surface. Joint motion along this exposed surface is painful.

 

Osteoarthritis usually develops after many years of use. It affects people who are middle-aged or older. Other risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, previous injury to the affected joint, and family history of osteoarthritis.

 

What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

 

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body including the joints of the spine. Symptoms may range from mild to disabling.

 

A joint affected by osteoarthritis may be painful and inflamed. Without cartilage, bones rub directly against each other as the joint moves. This causes the pain and inflammation. Pain or a dull ache develops gradually over time. Pain may be worse in the morning and feel better with activity. Vigorous activity may cause pain to flare up.

 

The joint may stiffen and look swollen, enlarged or "out of joint." A bump may develop over the joint. Joint movements such as bending, straightening and rotation may become more difficult and loss of motion may follow.

 

Loose fragments of cartilage can interfere with the smooth motion of a joint. The joint may lock or "stick. It may creak, click, snap, or make a grinding noise (crepitus). An arthritic joint may weaken and weight bearing joints such as a knee or ankle may buckle and give way.

 

Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can help maintain joint mobility, relieve pain and improve function.

 

How is Osteoarthritis diagnosed?

          

Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can help maintain joint mobility, relieve pain and improve function.

 

When you visit Dr Bhimani, a complete medical history, physical examination, x-rays, and possibly laboratory tests will be done.

 

Medical History

 

Dr Bhimani will want to know if the joint has ever been injured. Dr Bhimani will want to know when the joint pain began and the nature of the pain. Is the pain continuous, or does it come and go? Does it occur in other parts of the body? Is it worse at night? Does it occur only with activity or at rest as well?

 

Physical Examination

 

Dr Bhimani will then examine the affected joint in various positions to see if there is pain or restricted motion. Dr Bhimani will look for creaking or grinding noises (crepitus) that indicate bone-on-bone friction. muscle loss (atrophy), and signs that other joints are involved. Dr Bhimani will look for signs of injury to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

 

X-rays

 

X-rays can show the extent of joint deterioration, including narrowing of joint space, thinning or erosion of bone, excess fluid in the joint, and bone spurs or other abnormalities. They can help Dr Bhimani distinguish various forms of arthritis.

 

Laboratory Tests

 

Sometimes laboratory tests, such as blood tests, can help rule out other diseases that cause symptoms similar to osteoarthritis.

 

What are non-surgical treatments?

                                                                              

Early, nonsurgical treatment can help maintain joint mobility, improve strength, and relieve pain. Most treatment programs combine lifestyle modifications, medication, and physical therapy.

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Lifestyle Changes

Dr Bhimani may recommend rest or a change in activities to avoid provoking osteoarthritis pain. This may include modifications in work or sports activities. It may mean switching from high-impact activities (such as aerobics, running, jumping, or competitive sports) to low-impact exercises (such as stretching, walking, swimming, or cycling). A weight loss program may be recommended, if needed, particularly if osteoarthritis affects weight-bearing joints (such as the knee, hip, spine, or ankle)

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Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce inflammation. Sometimes, Dr Bhimani may recommend strong anti-inflammatory agents called corticosteroids, which are injected directly into the joint. Corticosteroids provide short term relief of pain and swelling.

 

Dietary supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may help relieve pain from osteoarthritis.

 

Physical Therapy

A balanced fitness program, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy may improve flexibility, increase range of motion, reduce pain, and strengthen the joint. Supportive or assistive devices (such as a brace, splint, elastic bandage, cane, crutches, or walker) may be needed. Ice or heat may need to be applied to the affected joint for short periods, several times a day.

 

What are surgical treatments?

 

If early treatments do not stop the pain or if they lose their effectiveness, surgery may be considered. The decision to treat surgically depends upon the age and activity level of the patient, the condition of the affected joint, and the extent to which osteoarthritis has progressed.

Surgical options for osteoarthritis include arthroscopy, osteotomy, joint fusion, and joint replacement.

 

Arthroscopy 

Dr Bhimani uses a pencil-sized, flexible, fiberoptic instrument (arthroscope) to make two or three small incisions to remove bone spurs, cysts, damaged lining, or loose fragments in the joint.

 

Osteotomy 

The long bones of the arm or leg are realigned to take pressure off of the joint.

 

Joint replacement 

Dr Bhimani removes parts of the bones and creates an artificial joint with metal or plastic components (total joint replacement or arthroplasty).