Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease that affects the joints in your body. It occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears down and becomes inflamed, eventually leading to pain and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, but it most commonly develops in the small joints of the hands and feet (called wrist joints), the large joints like hips, knees, and shoulders, or the spine (vertebral column). Less commonly, osteoarthritis can occur in other areas such as the elbows and ankles. The condition is most common in people over the age of 60, but it can also occur at any age.
Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed with X-rays or MRIs. An osteoarthritis doctor in Kolkata may also recommend other diagnostic tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds. Treatment depends on the type of osteoarthritis you have, as well as your overall health and well-being.
Treatments
There are many different treatments for osteoarthritis. Some of the most common treatments include physical therapy, rest, and medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on improving function, flexibility, and strength. The goal is to improve the way your joints move and how they work together as a unit. Your physical therapist will work with you to help you achieve better movement by strengthening your muscles and improving their ability to lift heavier weights.
Rest
Resting for extended periods of time can help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis because it reduces inflammation in your joint space. Over time, this can reduce stiffness in your joints and make it easier for them to move normally again.
Medications
There are several over-the-counter medications used to treat osteoarthritis pain including NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), muscle relaxants, and corticosteroids (such as prednisone). If you are using these medications regularly or taking higher doses than recommended, talk with your doctor about switching to another type of medication if possible. Many people also take prescription medications such as naproxen (Aleve).
Exercise
Exercise is one of the most effective forms of treatment for osteoarthritis. It helps alleviate pain and inflammation by strengthening your muscles, increasing joint mobility, and improving joint function. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve both short-term and long-term health outcomes.
Weight loss
A healthy diet is an essential part of treating osteoarthritis. Eating a balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing other illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes. To lose weight, try adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals, or cut down on high-fat foods like fried potatoes or sausages.
Surgery
If you have severe osteoarthritis, you may need surgery to remove some of your cartilage or move other parts of your joint so that they don’t rub against each other as much. This is only recommended in extreme cases when other non-invasive treatments are rendered ineffective.
Consult an osteoarthritis doctor in Kolkata
Get in touch with an arthritis specialist and plan out your treatment course. Similarly, if you’re facing any other bone and joint-related, connect with specialists like osteoporosis surgeon Kolkata and more and ensure good orthopedic health.