What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it most commonly occurs in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive care for patients with osteoarthritis, using a combination of conservative and advanced treatments to manage symptoms and improve joint function.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that develops when the cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions joints, gradually breaks down. This process typically happens over many years, though it can be accelerated by injury or overuse. As the cartilage wears away, the bones in the joint rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis because it commonly affects joints that are subjected to repetitive motion or load-bearing, such as the knees, hips, and hands. Although osteoarthritis can occur at any age, it is most common in older adults and tends to worsen over time.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage within the joints. Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition, including:
- Aging: As we age, cartilage naturally deteriorates, making older adults more susceptible to osteoarthritis.
- Joint Injury or Overuse: A previous joint injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life. Repetitive stress from activities like sports or physically demanding jobs can also accelerate cartilage breakdown.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, which can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to osteoarthritis due to inherited traits that affect the way their cartilage and joints function.
- Joint Misalignment or Deformity: Abnormal joint alignment, such as bow-leggedness or being knock-kneed, can lead to uneven wear and tear on the cartilage, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
- Gender: Osteoarthritis is more common in women than men, particularly after the age of 50.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis often develop gradually and worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Joint Pain: Pain is often the first sign of osteoarthritis. It may initially occur during or after movement, but as the condition progresses, pain can become more persistent, even during rest.
- Stiffness: Joint stiffness is common, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness usually improves with movement but can return later in the day.
- Swelling: Swelling around the affected joint may occur due to inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
- Decreased Range of Motion: Over time, the affected joint may lose flexibility, making it difficult to move through its full range of motion.
- Joint Deformity: In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, the joint may become visibly deformed due to bone spurs (osteophytes) or changes in joint structure.
- Grinding or Clicking Sensation: A grinding or clicking sensation (crepitus) may be felt when moving the joint, especially when bending or straightening it.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing osteoarthritis involves a thorough physical examination, a review of your medical history, and imaging tests to assess the extent of joint damage.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will evaluate the affected joint for signs of swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion. They may also check for pain when moving the joint.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: X-rays are commonly used to diagnose osteoarthritis. They provide images of the bones and can show the narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs, and other changes that indicate cartilage loss.
- MRI: In some cases, an MRI may be ordered to provide detailed images of the soft tissues around the joint, including cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. This can help assess the extent of cartilage damage in more complex cases.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Treatment for osteoarthritis at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on relieving pain, improving joint function, and slowing the progression of the disease. A combination of non-surgical and surgical treatment options may be recommended based on the severity of the condition.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be recommended.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve joint flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the joint, and reduce pain. A customized exercise program will focus on low-impact activities that improve mobility and joint function.
- Weight Management: For patients who are overweight or obese, losing weight can reduce the strain on weight-bearing joints and alleviate symptoms. Even a small reduction in body weight can make a significant difference in joint pain and function.
- Assistive Devices: Using assistive devices, such as braces, canes, or orthotic inserts, can help reduce stress on the joints and improve mobility.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of moderate to severe pain, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and provide relief. The effects of these injections are temporary, but they can offer significant pain relief for several months.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, may be used to lubricate the joint and improve movement in cases of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery may be considered if non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief or if osteoarthritis significantly affects daily activities. Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopy: In this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon uses a small camera and instruments to remove loose cartilage, bone spurs, or other debris from the joint. Arthroscopy is often used to treat early-stage osteoarthritis.
- Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting and realigning the bones around the joint to improve alignment and reduce pressure on the affected area. It is typically used in younger patients with early-stage osteoarthritis.
- Joint Replacement Surgery: In cases of severe osteoarthritis, where the joint is significantly damaged, joint replacement surgery may be necessary. This involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, providing long-lasting pain relief and improved joint function. Knee and hip replacements are the most common forms of joint replacement surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from osteoarthritis treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. For patients undergoing non-surgical treatments, pain relief and improved mobility can often be achieved within a few weeks to months with consistent physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Patients who undergo non-surgical treatments can expect gradual improvements in pain and joint function as they adhere to their prescribed exercise and physical therapy routines. Weight management and activity modification can further enhance recovery.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure. After joint replacement surgery, patients will begin physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected joint. Full recovery from joint replacement can take several months, but most patients experience significant pain relief and improved quality of life.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a smooth recovery and helping patients return to their normal activities.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Osteoarthritis?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with osteoarthritis, providing a range of treatment options tailored to each individual’s condition. Our team of orthopedic specialists is dedicated to helping patients manage pain, improve joint function, and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether you’re seeking conservative management or advanced surgical options, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to support you through your treatment and recovery journey.