Overview of Athritis & 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 Options May Cause More Harm Than Good
Traditional Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
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.
