What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis, which gradually degenerates your joints over time. If you have it, the cartilage around your joints breaks down over time. Eventually, the condition causes changes to the bone in your joints too.
Like other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis results in pain, stiffness, and warmth in various joints throughout your body. It commonly affects:
- Hand joints
- Knees
- Hips
- Lower back
- Neck
While these are the most common areas, osteoarthritis can affect nearly any joint in your body. The key to maintaining your joint mobility and reducing your discomfort is to start treatment when the condition is in its early stages. Dr. Sardinas evaluates you with advanced diagnostic services like X-ray imaging to confirm your osteoarthritis diagnosis.
How does osteoarthritis differ from other forms of arthritis?
Some people confuse osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which are the two most common forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops slowly over time because of the natural, gradual wear and tear of your joints. For this reason, symptoms usually appear later in life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different because its an autoimmune disease. Your immune system reacts to your joints as if they don’t belong in your body, making them inflamed, tender, painful, and stiff. It typically develops earlier in life and has a more rapid onset than osteoarthritis.
Am I at risk for osteoarthritis?
Although osteoarthritis is associated with age-related wear and tear, not everyone gets osteoarthritis as they age. You might be at higher-than-average risk of developing osteoarthritis over time because of:
- Previous joint injuries
- Joint overuse
- Weak muscles
- Obesity
- Genetic predisposition
If one or more risk factors apply to you, or you’re concerned about developing osteoarthritis, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent the disease and keep the mobility you have.
What are my options for osteoarthritis treatment?
Dr. Sardinas helps you explore the treatments available for osteoarthritis and creates a plan that you can quickly adapt to your routine. While osteoarthritis doesn’t have a cure, following your custom osteoarthritis management plan from Dr. Sardinas can slow the progression of the disease and keep you mobile. Your treatment might involve:
- Weight loss
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
- Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections
If you exhaust all other options and continue to experience immobility and severe joint pain, Dr. Sardinas might recommend joint replacement surgery for one or more of your affected joints.
To find out more about osteoarthritis and its effects on your joints, call Alfredo Sardinas Jr MD PA or book an appointment online today.
