Category : Orthopedics
Being able to walk pain free is a blessing. Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the joints in our body. Cartilage covers the joints between bones, protecting and cushioning them. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the ends of bones wears down gradually. Any machinery with moving parts that are not well maintained in a long run invariably has the problem of wear and tear, likewise, the joints in our body. But nature has its own way of keeping the wear and tear under check with the help of various mechanisms. Osteoarthritis is one such condition where this mechanism is disrupted and hence the frictionless, smooth movement between the two bones of the joint is hampered which leads to various symptoms. Healthy joints are essential to lead a pain free and fulfilling life. Osteoarthritis of the knee is the leading cause of pain in elderly individuals. This degenerative osteoarthritis occurs gradually and worsens over time. Early detection of Osteoarthritis and appropriate preventive and treatment measures can prevent further progression of Osteoarthritis and prolong the life of a joint and prevent pain.
What are the Early Signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
- The most common joint involved in degenerative Osteoarthritis is the knee joint.
- Pain in the joint during movement.
- Joint stiffness.
- Swelling of the affected joint.
- Difficulty in getting up from sitting posture.
- Difficulty in sitting cross leg and squatting.
- Difficulty in walking on uneven surfaces.
- Difficulty in climbing up and down the stairs.
- Tenderness in the joint.
- Stiffness of the joint.
- Loss of flexibility in the joint.
- A grating sensation or audible crackling on moving the joint.
- Deformity of the joint. Knee joints going away from each other. (Bowing)
How to Prevent Osteoarthritis?
- Life style modification from sedentary to active individual.
- Keep a healthy body weight. Excess weight (Overweight and Obese individual) is one of the biggest risk factors of Osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts stress on your joints. Losing weight can help reduce pain and improve symptoms.
- Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. It can be walking, yoga and stretching exercises within your pain tolerable limits.
- Low Impact Exercise is a good way to prevent joint problems.
- Thigh muscle strengthening exercises.
- Exercises can help people develop healthy joints and muscles, but overuse of joints can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The key is Balance. If your joints are swollen or achy, give them a break. Try to avoid using a swollen joint for at least 2-3 days. Letting an injured joint heal helps reduce the risk of developing Osteoarthritis in future.
- Pay attention to joint pain and signs of arthritis.
- Avoid cross legged sitting.
- Avoid squatting.
- Prevent injury to joint.
- Avoid smoking as it may cause weakening of cartilage.
- Brace or knee cap support help to relieve pain.
- Wearing right shoes will prevent stress on knee joint.
- Maintain healthy diet, rich in proteins, Calcium and Vitamin D.
- Exposure to Sunlight helps in Vitamin D production.
- Regular evaluation by Orthopedic Surgeon to detect early signs of Arthritis.
Treatment:
- Medication.
- Physiotherapy and exercises.
- Surgery – Joint Replacement.
Few exercises for knees and joints
