Osteoarthritis. When and how?

We all have heard of arthritis but do you know what Osteoarthritis is? Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis affecting both men and women. It is a joint disorder which leads to breakage and damage to bone joints. It usually hampers the movement in knees, hips, and hands.
Research suggests that women are more prone to develop osteoarthritis than men. Menopause, menstruation, and differences in the musculoskeletal system are the main reasons for Osteoarthritis in women.

Osteoarthritis can be divided into two types – primary and secondary

• Primary Osteoarthritis - This occurs because of ageing
• Secondary Osteoarthritis – This is a result of injury, obesity, genetics and other diseases.

The joints that are commonly affected are – the hips, finger joints, knee, toe, neck and lower back.

Symptoms and signs:

• Joint stiffness
• Loss of range of motion
• Swelling
• Grinding or crunching or cracking (crepitus)
• Bone spurs
• Loss of function
• Joint deformity
• Loss of flexibility

Risk factors associated are –

• Repetitive stress on joint
• Inflammation
• Excess body weight
• Knee bending
• Heel bruising
• Age above 45

Osteoarthritis may hit at a younger age too. The causes are –

• Obesity
• Poor posture
• Joint injury
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Heavy lifting

Osteoarthritis is not curable but manageable. How it can be eased?

• Physiotherapy
• Support braces
• Pain killers
• Supplements
• Heat treatment
• Weight loss
• Low impact exercises
• PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) therapy

How does PRP help?

• Reduce inflammation and the progression of osteoarthritis
• Encourage the growth of new cartilage
• Increase the amount of natural lubricating fluid produced in the joint, reducing joint friction
• Proteins that alter pain receptors and reduce pain sensations in patients

For severe Osteoarthritis, patients can be advised to undergo surgery. Doctors perform the following surgeries-

• Joint replacement
• Cleaning up the area around the joint (debridement)
• Bones fusing
• Realigning bones

We at Matis Hospital have one of the most efficient and skilled teams to give you a proper guidance. We have well equipped infrastructure to manage this health disease. Though primary doctors can treat but we have the specialists. We have Orthopaedists and Rheumatologists. We have in-house radiology (x-ray) and pathology laboratory facilities for required tests. For appointment, contact us.