Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease, can make everyday activities harder and even affect your mental health and overall quality of life. It’s a growing health issue that’s worth paying attention to.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, the smooth, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.
Osteoarthritis affects not only the cartilage but the entire joint structure, leading to changes in bone and deterioration of connective tissues, which results in pain, swelling, and decreased motion.
Key joints commonly affected by osteoarthritis include the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Osteoarthritis Stages
- Level 1 – Early Arthritis: Your knee or hip joint still has good protective cartilage, but you might notice some off-and-on aches, occasional sharp pains, swelling, or even some muscle weakness in the front of your leg.
- Level 2 – Moderate Arthritis: Cartilage wear can cause constant aches, severe pain, swelling, warmth, and even thickening of the joint. The joint might start to change shape, and you may notice the muscles around it looking smaller.
- Level 3 – Advanced Arthritis: Severe cartilage loss can lead to constant pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and weakness in your knee or hip. It often gets worse when you put weight on it, and you might notice your muscles looking smaller and feeling weaker, too.
- Level 4 – Surgical Stage: Cartilage is almost completely worn away, leading to bone rubbing against bone. This can cause severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and even joint deformities. At this point, managing symptoms becomes really tough, and surgery is often the next step.
Osteoarthritis Causes and Risk Factors
- Ageing: As people age, cartilage in the joints naturally wears down, leading to osteoarthritis.
- Joint Overuse: Repetitive activities or physically demanding jobs can accelerate cartilage wear and tear.
- Genetic Predisposition: Certain individuals are more susceptible to osteoarthritis due to their genetic makeup.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases stress on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips, raising the risk of osteoarthritis.
- Joint Injuries: Previous injuries like fractures or ligament tears can contribute to osteoarthritis later in life.
- Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities involving repetitive joint movements can wear down cartilage over time.
- Inflammatory Joint Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a major risk factor of secondary osteoarthritis seen in much younger populations.
Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis
| Aspect | Osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
|---|
| Causes | Mechanical wear | Autoimmune disorder |
| Symptoms | Joint pain, stiffness | Joint pain, swelling, fatigue |
| Progression | Gradual | Can be rapid |
| Affected Joints | Commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and spine. | Can affect any joint, often starting in small joints like fingers and toes. |
| Inflammation | Less pronounced | Significant inflammation |
| Symmetry | Often asymmetrical | Usually symmetrical |
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
- Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling, which can worsen over time.
- Loss of Flexibility: Decreased range of motion in affected joints.
- Grating Sensation: A feeling of grinding or grating when moving the joint.
- Bone Spurs: Extra bits of bone forming around the joint.
- Tenderness: Sensitivity when light pressure is applied to the joint.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain affecting daily activities and mental well-being.
Osteoarthritis Treatment Options
- Non-surgical Treatments:
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting a balanced diet can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
- Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can design a personalised exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Assistive Devices: Using devices such as joint braces, shoe inserts, or canes can help support the affected joints and reduce strain.
- Surgical Options for Severe Cases:
- Joint Replacement Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery might be recommended. This involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a small camera into the joint to remove debris or repair damaged tissue.
- Osteotomy: A procedure that involves cutting and realigning bones to reduce pressure on the joint.
Osteoarthritis Exercises
- Low-impact Aerobics: Activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking can help improve cardiovascular health without putting excessive strain on the joints.
- Strengthening Exercises: Building strength in the muscles around the affected joint can help support and stabilise the joint.
- Flexibility Exercises: Stretching and range-of-motion exercises can help maintain or improve joint function and reduce stiffness.
Your Journey to Better Joint Health Starts Today
If you’re noticing signs of osteoarthritis, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. Take charge of your joint health by exploring treatment options and making healthy lifestyle changes.
At Prince Court Medical Centre, we’re here to help you get back to doing what you love with top-notch orthopaedic care.
Our world-class orthopaedic specialists and advanced facilities are all about giving you personalised care that fits your life. Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation today!
