Osteoarthritis, Pain Control, and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Affecting more than 27 million people in America, Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but usually affects the small joints in the fingers, the big toe, and the bases of the thumb, hips, knees, lower back and neck.
It is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, and is basically caused by the wear and tear or rather breakdown of the joint cartilage or Hyaline cartilage that is found on the joint surfaces. The cartilage has a lot of collagen and its function is to provide a lubricated surface that allows the reduction of friction and the smooth movement of the joints. Unfortunately, the cartilage has a limited capacity for healing and repair, and any breakdown in it could result in a chronic condition known as Osteoarthritis. When the cartilage breaks down, it could lead to pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints that impairs free movement.
The symptoms of Osteoarthritis are usually pain following an activity or during it, stiffness of joints, cracking or clicking sound when the joints make a bending movement and mild swelling. Simple daily life activities that one takes for granted like walking, climbing stairs, holding a car steering wheel, opening a box, lifting things, etc., becomes difficult depending on where and how Osteoarthritis affects the body.
Common in both the sexes, before the age of 45 for men and after the age of 45 for women, the most visible sign of this joint disease is the enlargement of bones particularly the formation of hard knobs at the joint of the middle finger (Bouchard’s nodes), hard or bony swellings at the joints closest to the ends of the fingers (Heberden’s nodes), and an unnatural bony hump at the base of the toe (Bunions).
X-rays help detect Osteoarthritis as they show loss of joint cartilage, narrowing of the joints space between adjacent bones and bone spur formation. Arthrocentesis is performed by the Doctor in his office with the help of a sterile needle to remove the joint fluid for further analysis to help determine the proper diagnosis and the type of arthritis. Arthroscopy is done by inserting a viewing tube to detect abnormalities and any damage to the ligaments and cartilage through the arthroscope. Analysis of many factors can help the doctor in diagnosing Osteoarthritis and its appropriate treatment.
Since this disease is degenerative, there is no cure; however, the symptoms can be treated. Also, lifestyle changes like exercising, diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and medication to relieve pain are some of the ways in which this condition can be treated. Also, applying ice packs for 20 minutes can relieve swelling and pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can give pain relief, but you must take them only as per strict instructions from your doctor as these drugs may cause side effects. Gels or cream rubs do help relieve joint pain and swelling considerably, but should be used only on the advice of a doctor.
Hyaluronic acid injections may be prescribed by your doctor to lubricate your joints and keep them moving smoothly. Hyaluronic acid is just like the natural fluid that the body produces to keep your joints free from stress when you walk. It is only prescribed if the patient does not seem to favorably respond to other conventional treatments. Joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is done after thorough consideration by the surgeon if there is a need to remove damaged joint surfaces and replace them with artificial ones.
It is very important for a person not to get overwhelmed by Osteoarthritis and to handle it positively so that the body can help itself with the natural healing process.