Overview of osteoarthritis and traditional treatment options
What is Osteoarthritis (OA) and Why Does It Get Worse Over Time?
Millions of people suffer from arthritis or more specifically osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis, often referred to as a "wear and tear" disease, is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones deteriorates over time. This degenerative condition affects the joints, where two bones come together, such as the knees, hips, shoulders, wrists, etc. As the cartilage erodes, the bones can begin to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain, and loss of joint movement. The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but several factors contribute to its development, including aging, obesity, joint injuries, and genetics, among others.
The progressive nature of OA is due to the ongoing damage to the cartilage and joints. As time goes by, the continuous stress on the bones and cartilage can cause inflammation and damage, which further exacerbates the condition, creating a vicious cycle. This is why symptoms often worsen, leading to increased pain, reduced mobility, and even disability in severe cases.
Traditional Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis (OA)
Traditional treatments or injections for osteoarthritis aim to manage symptoms and improve function, but they can't reverse the condition itself. Standard Treatment often involves a combination of strategies. Medications are commonly prescribed to relieve pain and include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or in more severe cases, opioids or corticosteroid injections. Recent studies have shown that both long term pharmaceutical use and cortisone injections can accelerate the arthritic process and make your joint health worse.
Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improving mobility and stability. Lifestyle changes, particularly weight loss and low-impact exercise, can alleviate pressure on the joints and reduce pain.
In advanced cases where these treatments do not provide relief, surgical options, such as joint replacement surgery, may be considered to help restore function and relieve discomfort.
These days, due to advancements in joint injection technologies, there are more alternatives than ever to joint replacement surgery.
Injection therapies are available for nearly all Joints
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation and can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the knee joint. It's primarily caused by wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis, or it can result from an autoimmune condition called rheumatoid arthritis, both leading to the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.
Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation and degeneration of the cartilage in the hip joint, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The most common types are osteoarthritis, resulting from wear and tear and the breakdown of joint cartilage with age, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the joints.
Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis involves the inflammation or degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. It commonly occurs as osteoarthritis from progressive wear and tear, often with aging, or as rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system erroneously attacks the protective joint cartilage, leading to its deterioration.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears are injuries to the group of muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder joint, crucial for a wide range of motion. These tears, which can be partial or complete, typically cause pain, weakness, and difficulty in shoulder movement, especially when lifting the arm. They often result from overuse, acute injury, or wear and tear associated with aging.
And More!
Injection Therapies can also be used for a variety of soft tissue injuries.