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| Understanding
Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Hip |
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What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is also called
degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. Almost
everyone is affected by it to some extent as they grow older. It most
frequently occurs in weight-bearing joints, mainly knees, hips, and
ankles. This form of arthritis slowly and gradually breaks down the
cartilage that covers the ends of each bone in a joint. Normally,
cartilage acts as a shock absorber, providing a smooth surface between the
bones. But with osteoarthritis, the smooth surface becomes rough and
pitted. In advanced stages, it may wear away completely. Without their
normal gliding surfaces, the bones grind against one another, causing
inflammation, pain and restricted movement. Bone spurs may form. |
What
are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
The number one symptom is pain. The pain is caused by irritation and
pressure on nerve endings, as well as muscle tension and fatigue. The pain
can progress from mild soreness and aching with movement to severe pain,
even when resting. The second symptom is loss of easy movement, such as
bending or rising normally. Morning stiffness is a problem for many
people. This lack of mobility, in turn, often causes the muscles serving
the knee or hip to weaken, and overall body coordination suffers.
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How
is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
A simple weight-bearing X-ray and examination by a skilled orthopedic
doctor will determine if you have osteoarthritis. Time-consuming and
costly diagnostic procedures are not required.
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What
is the treatment for osteoarthritis?
There is no cure for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic new
ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility, and fatigue that are among its
most disabling symptoms.
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Hyaluronate
- The new treatment
lubricates the knees and can reduce pain for 9-12 months. It’s
the first major breakthrough in 20 years for arthritis knee pain.
Hyalgan is the brand name, and five injections are given into the
knee one week apart.
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Medicines
- Coated aspirin
helps relieve pain and has few side effects. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Voltaren, Feldene,
Naprosyn, and Clinoril, are prescription drugs for pain and
inflammations. Do not take aspirin if you are taking NSAIDS.
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Cortisone
Shots - Cortisone
shots are given for inflammation. For many people, joint arthritis
is often made symptom-free for months or even years after
cortisone shots. Four to six shots a year can be given without any
dangerous side effects.
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Diet
- There is no
evidence that any specific foods will prevent or relieve arthritis
symptoms. It’s important to keep thin, however, because excess
weight aggravates arthritis by putting added pressure on the knee
and hip.
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Exercise
and Rest - Prolonged
rest and days of inactivity will increase stiffness and make it
harder to move around. Motion is lotion for arthritis! At the same
time, excessive or improper exercise can overwork your arthritic
joint and cause further damage. A balanced routine of rest and
exercise is best.
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What
about surgery?
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Arthroscopy
- Arthroscopic
procedures are not generally helpful for arthritis. In some
cases, a “flap” of torn knee cartilage can aggravate
arthritis and cause additional pain. The cartilage flap can be
removed by arthroscopy.
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Knee
or Hip Replacement - Knee
replacement or hip replacement may be a very positive solution
to the pain and disability of advanced osteoarthritis. The
rough, worn surfaces of the joint are relined with
smooth-surfaced metal and plastic components.
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