What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage within joints, including the hip and knee. Over time, the cartilage wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This condition is common in older adults and can significantly impact daily activities.
Symptoms
- Joint pain, especially during movement
- Stiffness after periods of inactivity
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling and tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds
Treatment
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint and improve flexibility.
- Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, low-impact exercises, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts or knee braces to support and stabilise the joint.
- Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery (hip or knee replacement) may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with a prosthesis.
Recovery
Non-surgical treatments can provide relief within weeks to months. Surgical recovery, such as from hip or knee replacement, typically takes 3-6 months. Physical therapy is essential for regaining strength and mobility after surgery.
