Osteoarthritis

When people start to get older, it is assumed that they will have to go through joint pain. And while some pain is normal, any stiffness or swelling that reduces your movement to the point that it interferes with your daily activities, it might be a sign of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a joint condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is quite common among older adults. 

Even though it is a condition that develops gradually, an early evaluation will allow you to manage the symptoms effectively. Furthermore, you might be able to slow joint damage progression. So, if you experience joint discomfort despite getting enough rest, exercising, and taking medication, you should consult a specialist who can assess whether you have osteoarthritis and provide appropriate treatment. 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition affecting joints that damages the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. It is because of this cartilage that your joints move smoothly. Over time, it is normal for this cartilage to wear down. When this happens, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

In most instances, affected joints are weight-bearing, such as the knees and hips. However, the shoulders, spine, and hands can also be impacted. While aging is the most significant risk factor, it is not the only cause. Repetitive stress, joint injuries, obesity, and genetic factors contribute to its onset.

We know that osteoarthritis develops when joint cartilage breaks down over time. However, there are several factors that contribute to this:

• Wear and tear caused by age that impacts the way cartilage works

• Obesity, with the excess weight, puts extra pressure on your knees and hips’ joints

• Joint injuries that cause damage to your ligaments

• Strain caused by certain occupations

• Genetics, as in the family history of osteoarthritis

• Structural abnormalities that cause joint misalignment

A specialist will evaluate contributing factors to understand your condition before recommending treatment. However, in some cases, there might be no identifiable cause for osteoarthritis. When this happens, the doctor will focus on managing your pain and restoring your movement.

Osteoarthritis doesn’t occur overnight. It is a condition that develops slowly and gets worse over time. The severity might also vary from person to person. However, there are a few common symptoms:

• Joint pain, especially during or after movement

• Swelling around the joint

• Decreased range of motion

• Grinding sensation around the joint

• Tenderness, especially when pressed

• Bone spurs that feel like hard lumps

• Stiffness after prolonged inactivity

Once the condition reaches the advanced stage, even daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even simply holding objects become difficult.

We all grow old. But not everyone gets osteoarthritis. And even people who do have osteoarthritis have different conditions in terms of symptoms and severity. Certain individuals are more likely to develop the condition, including:

• People over the age of 50

• History of joint injuries

• Obese or overweight individuals

• People in physically demanding occupations

• Family history of osteoarthritis

• Athletes with repetitive joint stress

• Women, especially after menopause

Osteoarthritis offers a broad range of conservative treatments. However, not everyone is suited for every available treatment. Doctors will need to review your general health, symptoms, the severity of the condition, and your medical history before recommending a plan.

Certain treatments might not be available to you if you:

• Have conditions like severe heart disease

• Have infections in or around the joint

• Have bleeding disorders

• Are medically unfit for surgery (for joint replacement)

If this is the case for you, the doctor will stabilise your condition or adopt an alternative approach.

A combination of tests is used to diagnose osteoarthritis. At Gleneagles Hospitals, this might include:

Medical Assessment

During this discussion, the doctor will discuss your symptoms, activities that worsen the pain, your family and medical history. They might also perform a physical examination to check swelling, joint stability, tenderness, and range of motion.

Imaging Tests

Diagnostic tests confirm whether you have osteoarthritis and its severity.

• X-rays – Show changes in bone structure, joint space, and spurs.

• MRI scans – Give a detailed evaluation of cartilage and surrounding tissue.

Furthermore, blood tests may be ordered to rule out inflammatory arthritis, ensuring the symptoms are specifically related to the patient's degenerative joint condition.

There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis. The only thing that can be done is management of the condition, which focuses on relieving symptoms, maintaining joint function, and improving mobility. Also, treatment depends on the affected joint and the severity of your symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications

Osteoarthritis management necessitates these core lifestyle modifications:

• Weight regulation

• Activity moderation

• Low-impact movement (walking/swimming)

• Use of orthopaedic aids

Implementing these changes reduces mechanical stress on the joints. 

Physiotherapy

It is important to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint. This is where physiotherapy provides therapeutic support. Through strengthening exercises, you will have reduced pain and improved stability. You can also try stretching routines to help maintain and improve your flexibility. A structured physiotherapy plan will include strengthening exercises, balance training, posture correction techniques, and range-of-motion exercises.

Medications

To help manage your pain and inflammation, doctors will prescribe medications, which might include:

• Paracetamol for when you have mild pain

• Topical pain-relieving gels

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Stronger pain medication, if needed

If you have any other medical condition, it is crucial that you inform your doctor so they can tailor your medication plan accordingly.

Injection Therapy

If the pain is too much and oral medications and physiotherapy don’t give you adequate relief, your doctor might suggest injection therapy, which can include:

• Corticosteroid injections that help with inflammation

• Hyaluronic acid injections for joint lubrication.

Surgical Treatment

When conservative management fails to achieve the required results and daily performance is hindered, surgery may be the only strategic option to restore your physical health.

Procedures include:

• Joint replacement

• Arthroscopy

• Osteotomy

Adhering to safety standards, these are preferred for advanced osteoarthritis stages and are known to significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and functional mobility.

Though not life-threatening, osteoarthritis can diminish your well-being if left unmonitored. Known complications involve:

• Persistent pain

• Muscle weakness

• Gait impairment

• Joint malalignment

• Loss of independence

Surgical intervention carries risks, including infection and embolic events. Gleneagles Hospitals adheres to premium standards of preoperative diligence. Our comprehensive screening protocols are designed to mitigate risk and safeguard patient health during every stage of surgery.

Osteoarthritis care at Gleneagles Hospitals is delivered through our comprehensive orthopaedic department. We provide individualised treatment plans to ensure the best possible results.

Our services comprise:

• Dedicated orthopaedic specialists

• Advanced diagnostic imaging technology

• Tailored physiotherapy and rehabilitation

• Expertise in minimally invasive surgery

• Comprehensive joint replacement care

Patients receive continuous support throughout their treatment, ensuring a smooth transition from diagnosis to recovery with a focus on long-term wellness.

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that may gradually influence your mobility. Timely identification and proactive treatment are vital for managing symptoms and protecting joint health. If pain interferes with routine tasks, a medical consultation is recommended. Gleneagles Hospitals delivers osteoarthritis care through systematic assessments and a range of conservative and surgical treatments, helping patients successfully restore their mobility and well-being.