Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Although there is no cure for Osteoarthritis, there are several treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joints wears down over time. Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing them to move smoothly against each other. When cartilage breaks down, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body but is most commonly seen in the hands, hips, knees, and spine.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness in the affected joint, especially after periods of inactivity or overuse
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
- A grinding or cracking sensation when moving the joint
- Limited range of motion in the affected joint
- Bony growths around the affected joint
Risk Factors:
- Age: Osteoarthritis is more common in people over the age of 50
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop Osteoarthritis
- Obesity: Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, increasing the risk of Osteoarthritis
- Joint injuries: Previous injuries or damage to a joint can increase the risk of Osteoarthritis
- Genetics: Osteoarthritis can run in families
What to Do:
- Consult with a healthcare provider if you experience joint pain or stiffness that lasts for more than a few days. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform tests if needed, and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints. Excess weight puts additional strain on the joints, increasing the risk of Osteoarthritis.
- Exercise regularly to keep the joints mobile and strengthen the muscles that support them. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can be beneficial.
- Use assistive devices like canes or braces to reduce stress on the joints. A physical therapist can recommend appropriate devices and teach you how to use them.
- Consider physical therapy to learn exercises that can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility. A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise program to meet your needs and goals.
Prevention and Treatment:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. These factors can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of Osteoarthritis.
- Consider alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic care. While there is limited research on the effectiveness of these therapies for Osteoarthritis, some people find them helpful.
- In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary. During joint replacement surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint.
Asian Hospital’s Department of Orthopedics
Asian Hospital and Medical Center is a leading healthcare facility in the Philippines that specializes in a range of medical services, including joint replacement surgery. The hospital’s Department of Orthopedics is staffed by experienced and highly skilled surgeons who use advanced techniques and technologies to perform joint replacement surgery and other orthopedic procedures.
Joint replacement surgery is a procedure in which a damaged or diseased joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. This surgery is typically recommended for patients who have severe joint pain and stiffness that cannot be managed with conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy.
Asian Hospital and Medical Center offers several types of joint replacement surgery, including:
- Total Knee Replacement: This surgery involves replacing the entire knee joint with an artificial joint. This is the most common type of joint replacement surgery performed at the hospital.
- Total Hip Replacement: This surgery involves replacing the entire hip joint with an artificial joint. It is typically recommended for patients with severe hip pain and stiffness caused by conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
At Asian Hospital and Medical Center, joint replacement surgery is performed using enhanced recovery techniques. This approach results in less pain, scarring, and a faster recovery time for patients.
The hospital’s Department of Orthopedics also provides comprehensive pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, including physical therapy and rehabilitation services to help patients regain strength and mobility in the affected joint.
Asian Hospital and Medical Center is a trusted healthcare provider for patients seeking joint replacement surgery in the Philippines, offering advanced techniques and technologies, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive care to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
Discover your options by scheduling a consultation with an Asian Hospital orthopedic doctor.
You may call us at (02) 8771 – 9000 or visiting our find a doctor page here: https://www.asianhospital.com/find-a-doctor/.