Osteoarthritis Management: From Conservative Treatments To Joint Replacement

Are You Having Trouble Managing Your Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, signified by the wear and tear of synovial joints, is the most common joint disease experienced by millions. The articular cartilage meant to prevent friction between bones in the joint degrades. This breakdown leads to friction, then inflammation and severe pain. Progressive pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility impact quality of life. Osteoarthritis management is crucial, but doctors have recognized many osteoarthritis patients struggle to keep the condition under control. Patients should focus on the best treatment, up to and including joint replacement.

Osteoarthritis progresses quickly without intervention

Osteoarthritis can develop over several years as the cushion that protects the ends of bones wears away. The disease becomes more severe when the body cannot repair damaged cartilage efficiently. Age and genetics play major roles in developing osteoarthritis. Overuse, obesity, diabetes, and previous injuries are significant risk factors. Ignoring the symptoms can speed up the disease progression and worsen symptoms.

Try these conservative treatments

Arthritis should be verified by a medical professional who also helps with developing the appropriate treatment plan. All osteoarthritis cases start with conservative, non-surgical treatment. Physical therapy, for instance, improves muscular strength around the affected joint to reduce pain and improve function. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the stress on joints, while a healthy diet minimizes inflammation. Assistive devices like braces, canes, and orthotics support mobility. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain medications to manage pain. These strategies can help mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis.

Turning to stronger medication and alternative therapies

In more severe cases, advanced treatment may be necessary. For instance, patients can benefit from prescription medicine. Stronger non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids can provide long-term relief. An injectable corticosteroid is a valuable solution for months of pain relief. The injectable treatments are provided by a pain specialist or doctor using strategies like fluoroscopy. Alternative therapies, like acupuncture and massage, can reduce inflammation while promoting healing. There have also been inroads made in regenerative medicine, which uses the body's healing factors to improve symptoms. Examples include injectable platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies performed over several months.

When conservative methods aren't enough

These conservative strategies are known to reduce pain and improve symptoms. Osteoarthritis, however, is progressive, and at some point, these strategies fail to bring relief. Severe arthritis or joint deformity evidenced by imaging scans also requires advanced treatment. Surgery includes arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that cleans the joint to relieve pain. Osteotomy is another useful surgery to cut and reshape bone, particularly in the knee and hip. The surgery shifts the weight away to healthier cartilage. Surgery can come with risks but has high success and satisfaction rates.

Is a joint replacement the solution?

A partial or total joint replacement is another excellent strategy for osteoarthritis management. The surgery removes the damaged cartilage and bone. A prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic is measured and installed to replace the bone. Total joint replacements are common on major joints like the hips, knees, ankles, and shoulders. Surgeons can use MIS or robotic arm-assisted surgery to improve accuracy, speed, and success rates. After a lengthy rehabilitation period, ranging from 3-6 months, patients experience considerable improvement in pain and mobility. Joint surgery is ideal for patients in generally good health who want to have an active lifestyle but experience severe pain.

Your long-term future with osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis management is possible due to the many options available for patients. Treatments are effective depending on the severity of arthritis, age, and activity levels. Start with conservative options and lifestyle changes. Add on advanced steps as needed. If these fail, consider joint replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis has no cure but can be managed effectively. A doctor or arthritis specialist can create a custom plan that reduces pain and improves quality of life.