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Managing Osteoarthritis: Strategies for Alleviating Joint Pain and Improving Daily Life
Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis, is the most common form of the disease and can affect different parts of the body, such as intervertebral discs, lumbar vertebrae, and lower limbs. It leads to various conditions like headaches, knee pain, joint pain, mild to moderate discomfort, neck stiffness, and cervicobrachial neuralgia. Unlike other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis specifically targets the joints, causing damage to the protective cartilage between the bones. As a result, the affected joints may experience thickening and the development of small bumps or spurs. Fortunately, there are solutions available to combat osteoarthritis and improve daily life with this condition. Knee problems, including pain during joint movement, are common symptoms of osteoarthritis. The affected joints may also exhibit swelling, warmth, and stiffness. However, these symptoms are not insurmountable, as there are ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by osteoarthritis.
Identifying Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Osteoarthritis manifests in different ways, but generally, joint movement becomes painful regardless of the affected joint. It’s important to differentiate between osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis primarily affects the cartilage, the soft tissue that cushions the bones in the joints. Consequently, osteoarthritis is characterized by symptoms such as knee pain during sports or physical activities.
Knee problems, including pain during joint movement, are common symptoms of osteoarthritis. The affected joints may also exhibit swelling, warmth, and stiffness. However, these symptoms are not insurmountable, as there are ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by osteoarthritis.
Different Types of Osteoarthritis
While osteoarthritis is commonly discussed, there are several distinct forms of the condition that all involve joint movement:
- Knee Osteoarthritis: This is the most prevalent knee condition, affecting approximately 65% of individuals aged 65 and older. It leads to the gradual deterioration of the knee joint cartilage, resulting in symptoms like pain while walking, ascending or descending stairs, stiffness, and joint swelling.
- Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis: Typically experienced between the ages of 40 and 50, this condition causes increased pain and reduced mobility. It often accompanies deformities that are both unpleasant and highly painful. When the ankle is affected, the deterioration of joint cartilage leads to pain during movement. Both foot and ankle osteoarthritis are characterized by stiffness, inflammation, and difficulty walking.
- Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Shoulder osteoarthritis is less common but can be identified by symptoms such as exercise-induced pain when lifting weights or grasping objects. Even the pressure from a bag strap can trigger pain.
Methods to Alleviate Osteoarthritis
Seeking professional medical advice is crucial not only for diagnosing osteoarthritis but also for determining an appropriate treatment plan based on individual circumstances. Treatment options vary based on the severity of osteoarthritis (mild, moderate, or severe). Healthcare providers can suggest the most suitable treatments for each situation.
- Medications: For severe osteoarthritis-related pain in the hands, knees, or shoulders, specialists may prescribe pain medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or recommend joint ointments. These medications do not cure osteoarthritis but help manage inflammation and associated pain.
- Exercise and Diet: Several exercises can alleviate osteoarthritis pain by gently moving the joints. Alternating cold and hot compresses can also help reduce knee pain. For example, specific exercises targeting the large dorsal muscle at home can relieve back pain caused by osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for osteoarthritis management. Weight loss or dietary adjustments may be recommended to reduce the impact on joints. Doctors can provide guidance on foods to avoid in cases of osteoarthritis.
- Support: Various options are available to provide support in osteoarthritis treatment, including rehabilitation and orthotics. Rehabilitation enables gentle joint movements to improve osteoarthritis-related issues. Working with a physiotherapist or physical therapist and performing prescribed exercises can help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, orthoses can be used to relieve pain in different areas of the body.
By improving joint biomechanics in osteoarthritis-affected areas, knee braces can reduce pain by alleviating stress on the most damaged part of the knee. Custom-made knee osteoarthritis orthoses can lead to a more active lifestyle and delay the need for knee replacement surgery. Learn more about Evoke, the world’s first SLS 3D-printed custom unloader knee brace.
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