Osteoarthritis is one of the world’s most common chronic health conditions and can have a severely negative impact on one’s health should they not take care to try to manage it with osteoarthritis treatment. Knowing the exact source of your osteoarthritis can be quite helpful in assisting you in attempting to manage your condition as effectively as possible. However, there are many different sources for this condition, which can make it difficult for individuals to determine what has caused the situation. If you suffer from osteoarthritis or even consider yourself at risk, this guide describes why osteoarthritis can develop and potential treatment methods.

 

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective cartilage that separates a patient’s bones begins to wear down, resulting in severe pain and discomfort in the affected individual’s joints. Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body, it most commonly affects the joints in one’s hands, knees, hips, and spine. 

Osteoarthritis is a highly manageable condition, but the damage it causes to joints cannot be reversed. Consequently, finding an effective management plan is the best path forward for a patient.

 

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis may be subtle at first but increase in severity as time goes on. Common symptoms of this condition include:

• Stiffness: A perceived sensation of tightness in the joints, most common upon awakening or going to bed
•  Tenderness: Sensitivity in the joints when pressed upon
• Pain: Joint discomfort after movement
• Loss of flexibility: Inability to display the full range of motion that was available prior to the condition’s onset
•  Bone spurs: Extra sections of bone that have formed around the affected joints
• Grating sensation: A cracking or crunching sound or sensation when moving the joints
• Swelling: Abnormal enlargement of the joints

If these symptoms have developed to the point that they are interfering with your daily activities, then it might be time to talk with a medical professional about your condition.

 

Why Does Osteoarthritis Develop? 

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions bones begins to deteriorate. The condition occurs for many different reasons. If left unchecked, the cartilage in your bones can wear down completely.

Osteoarthritis is often referred to as a “wear and tear” disease due to the fact that it begins to develop as the joints degenerate from heavy usage. Following this, many different risk factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, including:

• Joint injuries
• Gender (Women aged 50 to 60 years are 3.5 times more likely to develop hand osteoarthritis than men in the same age group)
• Old age
• Obesity
• Exceptional stress on the joints
• Genetics
• Bone deformities
• Certain metabolic diseases

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that tends to worsen over time. It can result in debilitating levels of pain and discomfort and can contribute to the development of many other conditions, both psychological and physical.

 

Methods of Treatment for Osteoarthritis

As stated before, it is currently medically impossible to completely cure the damage caused by osteoarthritis. However, many different methods of treatment can curb the level of discomfort and pain that an individual experiences from this condition on a day-to-day basis. Common treatments include:

• Medications: Medications such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation in the joints and are generally considered safe for most patients to use.
•  Therapy: Physical therapy can help many patients cope with the impact of osteoarthritis.
•  Cortisone injections: Corticosteroid injections into the joints can subside the pain experienced by osteoarthritis patients.
• Lubrication injections: Hyaluronic acid injections may be able to provide cushioning for the damaged joints of osteoarthritis patients.
• Knee osteotomy: This procedure can restore symmetry and balance to patients whose knees have become asymmetrical due to osteoarthritis.
• Artificial hips: Hip replacement may be required for patients whose hips have become degenerated to the point of needing this service.

 

The Best Arthritis Treatment in Los Angeles

Dr. Yashar and the rest of the team at Yashar Neurosurgery are in tune with the latest and greatest set of practices to diminish the impact of arthritis on a patient’s life. If you are interested in discussing your condition with a neurosurgeon in Los Angeles, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.