Osteoarthritis (OA) - What You Need to Know Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs with gradual loss of cartilage from the joints. The article discusses important details you need to know about the condition. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting millions of people worldwide. Also called degenerative joint disease and “wear-and-tear arthritis�, the condition develops when the protective cartilage in the joint breaks down and causes the bones to rub against each other. This causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. Leading pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer a wide variey of treatment options to manage OA pain symptoms. Reports from the Arthritis Foundation suggest that OA affects about 31 million people in the United States. Although this degenerative condition can affect any joint in the body, it most commonly affects the joints in the hands, knees, fingers, hips, and spine (typically at the neck or lower back). OA is a common diagnosis in older adults, although it can affect adults of any age. The likelihood of developing OA symptoms increases in the 55-64 age group. Potential risk factors include aging, obesity, previous joint injury and overuse, weak muscles, and genetics. Symptoms Osteoarthritis symptoms develop slowly and worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms include Joint pain Tenderness (discomfort when pressing on the area with your fingers) Stiffness Inflammation Bone spurs Loss of flexibility A grating or crackling sound or sensation in your joints Limited range of movement in your joints Weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk)
718-769-2521
info@hqbk.com
Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the fingers Joint aching and soreness (especially with movement) Sore or stiff joints (particularly the hips, knees, and lower back due to inactivity or overuse) Diagnosis and Treatment Acute joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of this disease and if the pain lasts for more than two weeks, it is important to consult a physician. As part of the initial diagnosis , physicians will conduct a detailed physical examination and closely examine the affected joints. They will check for tenderness, redness, or swelling in the joints. Diagnostic imaging tests like X-ray, MRI scan, and blood tests or joint fluid analysis will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Reliable multispecialty healthcare centers in Brooklyn, NYC, offer a combination of nonsurgical treatment modalities to address OA symptoms. A team of pain management doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists and orthopedic physicians will work together to provide patients with customized treatment plans to decrease pain and improve function. OA treatment options include -
✓ Chiropractic care – Chiropractic treatment involves the use of the hands or a special device to apply a gentle force to correct misalignments and relieve pressure on the nerves and tissue structures. ✓ Physical therapy – A physical therapy exercise program can strengthen the muscles around the joint and increase range of motion. It would involve a combination of various exercise programs such as stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises to improve joint flexibility and reduce pain. These treatment programs would also include Ultrasound, Traction, Ice or Heat application, and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). ✓ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – NSAIDs such as aspirin (Ecotrin), ibuprofen (Motrin), nabumetone (Relafen), and naproxen (Naprosyn) may be prescribed to reduce pain and joint inflammation. ✓ Injection therapies - Corticosteroid medication and hyaluronic acid injections can provide relief from pain. Managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis is a long-term task. Patients need to focus on their goals and have a positive approach towards the treatment. Adequate physical activity combined with the right medications can help strengthen muscles around the joints and make them more stable, thereby reducing pain.
718-769-2521
info@hqbk.com