First of all, what is arthritis? If we break down the word, “arthro-” the meaning of or related to joints; and “-itis” meaning inflammation. There are many types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis, etc.
Osteoarthritis or OA is the most common type of arthritis and continues to lead the nation in work, social, and activity limitations. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that involves the breakdown of cartilage and joint fluid. Below are some commonly asked questions with answers to help spread awareness of arthritis.
What causes OA?
- Overuse, Trauma, normal wear and tear, congenital defects.
What symptoms might I have?
- Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, instability, clicking/popping/scraping sensation.
How can I minimize OA?
- Proper body mechanics with lifting and playing sports
- Balanced diet with calcium and vitamin D
- Performing daily regular exercises for at least 30 minutes
- Staying at an healthy body weight (Body mass index <25)
How is it diagnosed?
- X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Other types of arthritis may require joint aspiration and lab work.
What are some treatment options we offer?
- Physical therapy
- Injections: Cortisone, Joint fluid supplementation (HA), Biologics (ex. Plasma Rich Platelets)
- State of the art robotic-assisted surgery
If you are diagnosed with osteoarthritis, do not worry! About 1 in 4 adults in the United States are diagnosed with this condition and thankfully we have many treatment options offered by specially trained providers that can help get you back to the physically active lifestyle you want.
References: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
