Understanding Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Introduction
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders affecting people over the age of 40, but it can occur earlier too. It’s a degenerative condition that causes the protective cartilage between joints to wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
At Mivaan Hospital, Ankleshwar, we offer personalized treatment plans to help patients manage osteoarthritis effectively and maintain an active lifestyle.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It affects the joints—especially the knees, hips, spine, and hands—by gradually breaking down the cartilage that cushions bones. As the cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, causing inflammation, pain, and limited movement.
Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain during or after movement
- Stiffness, especially after resting or waking up
- Swelling around the joint
- Decreased flexibility
- A grating sensation when the joint moves
- Bone spurs (extra bits of bone) may form
Causes and Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis develops slowly over time. Key causes and risk factors include:
- Aging: The risk increases with age.
- Joint injuries: Previous trauma or surgery can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
- Repetitive stress: Occupations or activities that involve repetitive joint use.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts extra pressure on weight-bearing joints.
- Genetics: Family history can increase your risk.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
To diagnose OA, our orthopedic team may use:
- A physical exam to assess joint movement and swelling
- X-rays to detect bone changes and cartilage loss
- MRI in more complex cases
- Blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis
Treatment Options Available at Mivaan Hospital
While osteoarthritis cannot be completely cured, its symptoms can be managed effectively. We offer the following treatment approaches:
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight management to reduce joint stress
- Low-impact exercises like swimming and walking
- Use of joint supports or braces when needed
- Medications
- Pain relievers (paracetamol)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Topical pain relief gels
- Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists guide you through targeted exercises to:
- Strengthen muscles around the joint
- Improve flexibility and reduce stiffness
- Maintain proper joint alignment
- Injections
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Hyaluronic acid injections for joint lubrication
- Surgical Options
If non-surgical methods fail and joint damage is severe, surgery may be recommended. This can include:
- Arthroscopy
- Joint realignment (osteotomy)
- Joint replacement surgery (partial or total)
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Early detection of osteoarthritis helps slow its progression. Regular checkups and timely intervention can help you maintain mobility and avoid surgery for as long as possible.
Why Choose Mivaan Hospital in Ankleshwar?
- Comprehensive joint care under one roof
- Experienced orthopedic specialists
- Personalized treatment and recovery plans
- Compassionate support throughout your journey
