What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of joint pain. Sometimes called degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, it is a condition that involves the breakdown of joint cartilage. Cartilage is a rubbery tissue that covers the ends of moving bones in joints. It acts as both a shock absorber and a lubricant, protecting your bones from damage and providing smooth, pain-free movement.

Arthritis Pain

As joint cartilage wears away, the bones begin to make painful bone-on-bone contact. The early stages of osteoarthritis can be treated with a variety of conservative, non-surgical treatments. However, as the joint cartilage continues to wear away and the symptoms of osteoarthritis become more severe, surgery may be recommended to correct the damaged bone and cartilage.

To diagnose your condition, we will observe your movement and review your health history. An X-ray of the affected joint will show signs of cartilage wear, and the severity of the cartilage destruction can help determine the best course of treatment.

Often the cause of arthritis is unknown, but osteoarthritis may develop as a result of injury to the joint, excess body weight, or years of wear and tear on the joint cartilage. There is no known cure. The best that doctors can do for patients is to restore motion and reduce pain. Fortunately, total joint replacement has generally proven quite effective at accomplishing these goals.

The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the knees, hips, fingers, and shoulders. Osteoarthritis symptoms include, but are not limited to:

•Joint pain while standing or moving

•Giving out or locking of joint

•Near constant pain

•Decreased activity

•Abnormal stance or walk

There are a number of non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis. Moderate doctor-prescribed exercise and physical therapy are excellent ways to keep your joints moving and to help relieve moderate joint pain. Joints that are not regularly exercised can become tight and painful.

Excess body weight places extreme pressure on the joints. If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend weight loss to help relieve unwanted stress and pain in your joints.

Arthritis Pain Relief

Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help control swelling and pain. It is important to consult your doctor before taking medication for joint pain.

Assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, can help reduce the pressure placed on joints and alleviate some pain. Resting after activity can also help control moderate joint pain.

The technique of joint replacement uses prosthetic implants to replace the damaged sections of bone and cartilage in the joint. The purpose of the procedure is to restore function and mobility and to provide relief from joint pain.

Arthritis Treatments

Many patients with bone and joint pain assume they have arthritis. There are numerous causes of joint pain, which are not related to arthritis. Always get a proper diagnosis before attempting self-treatment. One of our highly skilled physicians trained in the management of arthritis will evaluate your condition, give you a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan.

Get started with regular exercise

Exercise is an integral part of treating arthritis. Exercise by itself will not wear out your joints. Activities such as walking, swimming, or gardening can assist in keeping your bones strong and your joints limber.

    Strengthening

Joint swelling and pain can make muscles weak, which is a problem with arthritis. Strong muscles help absorb shock, support joints, and protect you from injuries. Weak muscles in the legs are linked with increased disability from osteoarthritis. Research has also shown that strengthening exercises in the hip, knee and ankle lead to improved balance and independence. Your physician and physical therapist can help you develop a strengthening program, if appropriate.

    Stretching

Flexibility is necessary for comfortable movement during exercise and daily activities. Joint motion also helps lubricate your joints and nourish your cartilage. Generally, stretching is tolerated on a daily basis and is an excellent form of relaxation. Your physician can help you develop a stretching program, if appropriate.

    Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is an excellent form of exercise for people managing arthritis and pain. The water's buoyancy protects your joints from impact injury. The water also resists movement, which is helpful for strengthening. Ask your doctor for information on aquatic classes near you.

    Walking

Walking is an excellent endurance exercise for almost anyone, including those with arthritis. Check with your physician to obtain any precautions or guidelines.

Ensure Proper Nutrition

Recently, nutritional supplements have become a popular for patients with arthritis. Ask your doctor at Westlake Orthopaedics for specific recommendations on nutritional support tailored to your needs.

Glucosamine is a natural building block found in cartilage. Supplemental Glucosamine is produced by extracting it from the shells of crabs and shrimp. Studies have shown it to be useful in reducing pain. Patients with shellfish allergies may be allergic.

Chondroitin Sulfate is commonly taken in conjunction with glucosamine. It is found in cartilage and absorbs fluid. This fluid makes the cartilage more elastic and spongy. Chondroitin may help prevent the breakdown of cartilage as well.

Vitamins C and D -Some studies have indicated that patients low in Vitamin C and D may have a higher incidence of arthritis.

Pain Control

Medications are important in the treatment of arthritis. They help relieve joint swelling and pain, which can lead to improvement in everyday function and quality of life. All medications have potential side effects therefore should be taken only when necessary.

    Acetaminophen

The non-narcotic analgesic Tylenol® is generally safe and effective in relieving minor pain and discomfort. The Academy of Rheumatology has suggested this as the first line in treatment of arthritis. Tylenol, however, does not reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. Patients with liver disease should avoid Tylenol. Ask your physician about dosing and safety.

    NSAIDs

Non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin®, Advil®, and Aleve® may be suggested by your surgeon. These are very low dose and are usually indicated for mild arthritis pain and may be effective when Tylenol® is not.

    Topical Creams

Many topical creams are on the market to reduce pain from arthritis. The American College of Rheumatology does recommend capsaicin as part of the treatment plan. Capsaicin is found in red peppers and is thought to help with the release of the body's natural painkillers while also blocking a chemical that transmits pain signals. Check with your physician before using the cream.

Injections

Your doctor may prescribe injections into your joints to help reduce swelling and pain.

Cortisone injections directly into joints may be used. Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal gland that regulates inflammation. and when injected into a joint can relieve or reduce both swelling and pain. Cortisone may have some negative effects on both joints and soft tissues therefore its use is normally limited to a few injections per year.

Hyaluronate injections have been approved for arthritis of the knee. They may help relieve osteoarthritis pain and restore joint function. Hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance in joint fluid that provides lubrication and cushioning to the joint. As osteoarthritis continues to develop, the joint fluid becomes thinner with less hyaluronate and thus loses its ability to properly lubricate and cushion the joint cartilage.