Osteoarthritis

Where two bones meet, they form a joint. There are 360 joints in the human body. The ends of our bones are capped by a protective connective tissue called cartilage that cushions the joint. The cartilage helps the bones to move against one another (articulate) to enable motion without causing pain. The wearing down of this protective cartilage either from aging or injury is called degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis and develops gradually most often during middle age. This is different from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissue causing inflammation and damage to the joints.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that is managed instead of cured. Your doctor may recommend one of several nonoperative strategies listed below to help manage your symptoms. If these options do not effectively relieve your symptoms, surgery maybe offered.

1. Lifestyle modifications. This may include a combination of nutrition modifications (anti-inflammatory diet), activity modifications such as switching from high impact activities (running, jumping, competitive sports) to low impact exercises (cycling, swimming, yoga), as well as a weight loss program especially if weight bearing joints are involved (hip, knees, spine).

2. Medications to help manage pain and inflammation. NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help to reduce pain in lower doses and reduce inflammation at higher levels. Turmeric (active ingredient curcumin) combined with black pepper (active ingredient bioperine) for its anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Physical Therapy. A program of exercises and stretches to strengthen and stabilize the muscles that support the affected joints in order to reduce pain, improve function and mobility.

4. Bracing. Either in the form of an elastic bandage or compression sleeve to support joint function and reduce muscle fatigue.

5. Injections. One of several injections might be proposed to help manage and treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis including steroid (cortisone) injections, prolotherapy, PRP and stem cell injections (discussed in further detail elsewhere on this web site).