Joint pain is serious, no matter how mild the symptoms may be. Osteoarthritis is a type of joint disease that causes joint tissue degeneration over time. This well-known condition can affect many different parts of the body, including the arms, legs, hands, toes, and spine. In order to prevent severe degradation, it is important to learn more from your certified spine surgeon. So how common is osteoarthritis?
How Common is Osteoarthritis?
How common is osteoarthritis? What are its symptoms like? Are there progressive treatments available? Keep reading to learn more about this condition and get the help you need with Dr. Yashar today.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
In order to properly identify osteoarthritis, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms. Osteoarthritis is something that happens over time, and it is more likely to develop as a result of age. This condition can appear in tissues, fat, ligaments, and joints, making it difficult to pinpoint its source when the pain is widespread.
People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, but it becomes a risk factor for anyone experiencing wear and tear on their joints. Anyone with previous injuries or torn muscles is also more likely to develop this condition. It is marked by pain and loss of mobility in the cartilage and tissues surrounding certain joints.
Is Osteoarthritis Common?
A number of studies have confirmed that osteoarthritis affects almost 33 million adults in the U.S., making it a very common occurrence. Unfortunately, it is something that is to be expected over time or after a physical injury. While it typically has a gradual onset, it can develop into something that causes undue pain and discomfort within just a few short years.
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure osteoarthritis fully. However, a number of proactive treatments can help you manage your pain symptoms and stay comfortable without exacerbating your symptoms. Pain typically occurs in the knees, hips, fingers, feet, and thighs, so most treatments will focus on relieving pain in those areas and helping to restore your mobility.
Best Treatments for Osteoarthritis
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, the location of your osteoarthritis, and any predisposed conditions that may have led to its development, a number of treatments will be presented to you. You have the option of taking anti-inflammatory medication or using injectables that can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and take away feelings of warmth or itchiness around the affected joints.
Some doctors may recommend additional therapies after trying a round of medication. Physical therapy and exercises can help you retain mobility and get rid of oncoming pain. In particular, cardio exercises and range-of-motion workouts can prevent you from getting stiff as a result of this condition. More serious treatments, like surgery or long-term therapy, are also available for patients dealing with more serious cases of osteoporosis.
Treating Osteoarthritis at Home
Your doctor may recommend that you commit to a lifetime of healthy options in order to keep your symptoms under control. By cutting down on high amounts of sugar and glucose, you are preventing your joints from dealing with constant swelling. You can protect your joints by exercising right and relaxing whenever you have pushed yourself too much. You know your own body better than anyone, so you know when it’s the perfect time to seek out a more advanced treatment.
Get Rid of Your Pain Today
Dr. Yashar offers a number of innovative solutions to treat everything, from the mildest to the most severe forms of osteoarthritis. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation and we will design a customized osteoarthritis treatment plan that centers on your most immediate needs while providing you with the tools to continue living without pain.
