How Orthopedic Doctors Treat This Common Joint Condition
Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that is most common among older adults. According to Cleveland Clinic, approximately 80% of people aged 55 and older have osteoarthritis. However, only 60% of osteoarthritis sufferers notice any symptoms, making it difficult for orthopedic doctors to address the condition during the earliest stages.
As a progressive condition, osteoarthritis can significantly reduce your quality of life by causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Fortunately, there are numerous advanced orthopedic treatments that can help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis while improving overall joint function.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down. The reduction of natural cushion allows bones to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. Although it can occur in any joint, osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Osteoarthritis symptoms include:
- Swollen tissue around the joint.
- Joint stiffness, especially after sleeping or long periods of inactivity.
- Chronic joint pain, especially during movement.
- Ongoing joint tenderness that’s sensitive to pressure.
- Reduced range of motion or flexibility in the joint.
- A grating, crackling, or popping sensation when using the joint.
Risk Factors For Osteoarthritis
Although osteoarthritis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, particularly after the age of 50.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after menopause.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the knees and hips, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
- Joint injuries: Previous joint injuries, such as those from sports or major accidents, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
- Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition.
- Repetitive stress: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive joint movement or stress can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions like diabetes and hemochromatosis increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis.
- Biological irregularities: Defective cartilage and malformed joints are at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Advanced Orthopedic Treatments For Osteoarthritis
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for osteoarthritis. However, some treatment options can help slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, and improve joint function.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), are often the first line of treatment for managing osteoarthritis pain. These medications help reduce discomfort but do not address the underlying inflammation or progression of the disease.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs reduce the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. These medications are more effective for managing symptoms than acetaminophen but may have side effects, particularly with long-term use. Some can be purchased at your local drug store.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief in osteoarthritis-affected joints. Typically, orthopedic doctors inject the anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint. However, the relief corticosteroids provide is temporary, lasting a few months, at most.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that involves injecting a concentrated dose of your own platelets into the affected joint. Platelets holistically promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Many physicians have adopted this advanced orthopedic treatment for its effectiveness and low risk of complications and infections.
Physical Therapy
Although physical therapy is most associated with surgery recovery, it’s also proven highly effective in managing osteoarthritis by improving joint mobility, strengthening muscles around the joint, and reducing stiffness. Physical therapists design tailored exercise programs, which may include stretching, low-impact aerobic exercises, and strength training.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can help manage osteoarthritis symptoms and decrease reliance on medications and other short-term solutions. Orthopedic doctors suggest:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Low-impact exercises such as cycling, walking, or swimming.
- Using braces, orthotics, or canes to reduce stress on the affected joints.
Advanced Orthopedic Joint Replacement Surgery
Severe cases of osteoarthritis may not respond to conservative treatments. As a final resort, physicians may recommend orthopedic surgery, including joint replacement. During joint replacement surgery, the affected joint is replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic implant. Although undergoing surgery means a lengthy recovery time, patients benefit in the long-term through improved mobility and permanent pain relief.
How to Find a Provider Of Advanced Orthopedics In Wichita
Osteoarthritis can significantly affect your quality of life, but with the expertise of an orthopedic doctor and the right combination of treatments, you can manage your condition. If you are experiencing osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness, or lack of mobility, contact a physician who practices advanced orthopedics in Wichita.
After performing a comprehensive exam and taking images of the joint, orthopedic doctors can offer a full assessment and see how much the osteoarthritis has progressed. From there, orthopedic doctors will develop a treatment plan that manages your symptoms while improving mobility.