Understanding Osteoarthritis: Causes, Treatments, and Relief

With the cold weather lingering, you may have noticed your joints aching more than usual. Changes in weather can impact your joints as differences in air pressure affect blood flow around them, potentially leading to discomfort. However, persistent aches and pains might indicate a deeper issue.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease affecting the joints. While the knees and hips are the most frequently impacted, other joints like the shoulders, fingers, and spine can also be affected.

Cartilage, the hard yet smooth tissue covering the ends of bones, provides a stable and friction-free surface for pain-free joint movement. Unfortunately, damaged cartilage does not always heal well, and its breakdown can result in pain, stiffness, and the dreaded “bone-on-bone” appearance on X-rays.

Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis

Several factors increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis:

• Prior Injuries: Post-traumatic osteoarthritis can occur after injuries like broken hips, dislocated shoulders, or torn ACLs.
• Excess Weight: Additional weight places more stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
• Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to arthritis.
• Unknown Causes: In some cases, the reason remains unclear.

Treating Osteoarthritis

The good news is that osteoarthritis is treatable. Here are the most effective approaches:

• Early and Mild Osteoarthritis:
  • Weight Loss: Reducing body weight decreases stress on joints.
  • Gentle Exercise: Low-impact activities or physical therapy maintain joint strength and flexibility.
• Moderate to Severe Arthritis:
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or naproxen provide occasional relief. Prescription medications like meloxicam or celecoxib are available for more persistent pain.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: These high-powered anti-inflammatories can provide up to three months of pain relief, particularly in the knees, shoulders, and hips.
• Advanced Arthritis:
  • Joint Replacement Surgery: When conservative treatments no longer work, joint replacement procedures for the knee, hip, or shoulder can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Move Better and Live Better

If you’ve been dealing with joint pain for days or years, Capital Ortho is here to help. From early interventions like physical therapy to advanced treatments such as joint replacement, we provide patient-centered care to get you back to living your best life.

Request an appointment today and take the first step toward relief from osteoarthritis and joint pain!