Osteoarthritis (OA)
It is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage in the joints. OA results in cartilage break down, reasulting to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility. As the disease progresses, the loss of cartilage can cause bones to rub against each other, leading to further damage and the formation of bone spurs. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine.
Risk factors for OA include age, genetics, joint injuries, obesity, and joint overuse. Symptoms of osteoarthritis often develop slowly and worsen over time. Common signs include joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, reduced range of motion, and the sensation of grating or crunching when moving the joint.
Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are various treatments available to manage its symptoms and improve joint function.
The final permanent treatment is a knee joint replacement however, there are some options available before knee replacement. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to prevent further joint damage and improve the quality of life for individuals with osteoarthritis. If you experience joint pain or stiffness,
- Pain medications : Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help reduce pain and inflammation.
NOTE: Consumption should be monitored by a doctor as these medications can cause organ damage in excessive long-term consumption. - Physical therapy: Exercises and therapies can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve flexibility, bone density and reduce pain.
- Weight management : Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate stress on weight-bearing joints and slow down the progression of the disease.
- Assistive devices : Using braces, canes, or other supportive devices can reduce joint strain and improve mobility.
- Biologics : Various injectables are available with varying levels of evidence for their use.
- Platelet-Rich-Plasma
- Hyaluronic acid
- Interleukin -1 Antagonists
- Bone Marrow Concentrate