Among the most common types of arthritis that millions of people over the world have is hips and knee osteoarthritis. The main cause of this degenerative joint condition is gradual destruction of the cartilage- a cushioning tissue that enables easy movement of joints. This cartilage, as it deteriorates over time, results in the withdrawal of mobility, pain, stiffness, and swelling which are painful conditions affecting or significantly changing daily life.
Osteoarthritis- What Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a disease of progressive degeneration of the cartilage of a joint and it results in disintegration of the fibers in the joint. This may bring about inflammation, destruction of joints and it may lead to formation of bone spurs. It is especially disabling when involving weight-bearing joints such as hip and knees thus restricting you to walk, use stairs, and do physical tasks.
Risk Factors and Causes
Hip and knee osteoarthritis are determined by the following factors:
- Age: The risk is high when you are older.
- Genetics: The factor of susceptibility may be involved in family history.
- History of trauma: Osteoarthritis can be caused by repeated trauma, sports injury or defect in joints resulting in later-onset of the disease.
- Obesity: Being overweight applies extra strains to the hip and knees.
- Joint Alignment: Cartilage wears faster with misalignment of the joints, or the physical deformities of the joints.
Common Symptoms
The Hip and knee osteoarthritis symptoms mostly tend to appear gradually and as time goes by the symptoms gradually increase in severity. The commonest symptoms include:
- Continuous or temporary pains in joints
- Tightness following a state of inactivity or rest
- The enlargement in the area of the joint involved
- Stiffness of the range of motion
- Popping or Clicking when moving
- Joint loss of strength or muscle atrophy
The diagnosis and treatment at an early stage will help to alleviate discomfort and reduce or even eliminate the damage to the joints.
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed on the basis of combination of:
- Physical Inspection: Tenderness examination, range of movement and swelling.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as using x-rays to show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other structural alterations.
- MRI Scans: It is possible to determine destruction of soft tissue using MRI in special cases.
Treatment Options
Hip and knee osteoarthritis has no cure but there are numerous therapies that can be used to correspondingly treat the symptoms through aimed at construction of quality of life:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Weight control to relieve joint loading
- Low impact activities such as bike, swimming or walking
- Exercises to make bodies stronger and more mobile
- Medications
- Pain relievers bought over-the-counter, e.g. acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Medications That Are Prescribed to treat the Severe Pain
- Patches and topical creams
- Assistive Devices
- Cane, brace, shoe insert to support joint stress Canes, braces, or shoe inserts to lighten pressure on joints
- Injections
- To curb the inflammation of corticosteroid solutions.
- Lubrication with the use of hyaluronic acid injections
- Surgery
- Joint replacement can become an option when other treatment does not help
Life with Osteoarthritis
The joint treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis involves a complex method as tending to a medical condition, lifestyle changes, and emotional standing. Being physically active, having a healthy weight, and collaborating with healthcare providers can accomplish a great deal in decreasing symptoms and returning function to joints.
Conclusion
Whenever you, or someone you love, experiences this repeated joint pain or stiffness, you need to pay a visit to a healthcare provider to discuss the symptoms. Minor repairs can be used to ensure delay in hip and knee osteoarthritis progression and better health of the joints.
Struggling with Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in Ringwood? Physiotime offers expert physiotherapy solutions to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life. Our personalized treatment plans are designed to support long-term joint health. Trust Physiotime in Ringwood for compassionate care and effective osteoarthritis management.