What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, also known as ‘degenerative joint disease’ or ‘wear and tear arthritis’, is the most common type of arthritis. It generally occurs in knees, hands, spine, and hips. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage within joint to break down, hence changing the underlying bone. These alterations slowly develop and get worse over time. Osteoarthritis can lead to stiffness, pain and swelling, and in certain cases, also disability and reduced function.
Click here for more information regarding Osteoarthritis– by Dr. Bijith Balan, Consultant Orthopedic, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.
For early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis and other orthopedic issues, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Orthopedics today and get an appointment with the best Orthopedic in Bahrain.
Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
The common osteoarthritis symptoms include:
- Pain- joints affected by osteoarthritis usually hurt during and after movement.
- Stiffness- most noticeable after being inactive or upon awakening.
- Tenderness- joints feel tender if light pressure is applied near them.
- Flexibility loss- joint cannot move through its full range of motion.
- Grating sensation- when the joint is used, there is a grating sensation, and cracking or popping is heard.
- Bone spurs- extra pieces of bones, that feel like hard lumps, form around affected joint.
- Swelling- usually caused by inflammation of soft tissues around the joint.
If you have symptoms of osteoarthritis arthritis mentioned above, specially stiffness and joint pain that isn’t going away, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Orthopedics today and get an appointment with the best Orthopedic in Bahrain, for early detection and effective treatment.
Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Osteoarthritis Causes
Osteoarthritis is caused due to gradual deterioration of the cartilage cushioning the end of bones in joints. Cartilage is slippery and firm tissue that allows joints to move without friction. When the cartilage is completely worn down, bone starts rubbing on the bone.
Besides cartilage breakdown, osteoarthritis affects the entire joint. It also causes alterations in bone and deteriorates connecting tissues holding joints together and attaches bone to muscle. Inflammation of joint lining is also caused by osteoarthritis.
Major osteoarthritis causes include:
- Age factor- the risk of osteoarthritis is increased with advancing age.
- Gender- women have more chances of developing osteoarthritis.
- Obesity- excess body weight increases risk of osteoarthritis in several ways.
- Injuries in joints- injuries, including sports injuries and accidents, increase risk of osteoarthritis.
- Repeated stress on joint- in case repeated stress is placed on joint, due to sports or job, it might develop osteoarthritis.
- Genetics- some individuals have genetic tendency to develop osteoarthritis.
- Bone deformities- some people have defective cartilage or malformed joints by birth.
- Metabolic diseases- including diabetes and hemochromatosis (a condition in which body produces surplus iron).
Click here for more information regarding Osteoarthritis– by Dr. Bijith Balan, Consultant Orthopedic, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.
Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis
Wearing of cartilage capping the bone joint is called osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which joints are attacked by immune system, starting from with joint lining.
Osteoarthritis Knee
Osteoarthritis knee occurs when knee joint cartilage breaks down and the knee joint bones start rubbing together, resulting in friction that makes knees swollen, stiff or hurtful.
Osteoarthritis Knee Treatment
While there is no cure, the following osteoarthritis knee treatment methods are used to relieve symptoms and prevent condition from progressing:
- Pain medication.
- Physical therapy.
- Maintaining weight.
- Use of knee brace.
- Using special footwear or orthotics soles.
- Steroid injections (Cortisone).
- Visco supplementation.
- Cartilage grafting.
- Partial knee replacement.
- Knee osteotomy.
- Total knee replacement.
Osteoarthritis Treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment includes several therapies:
- Increase in physical activity.
- Muscle strengthening exercises with physical therapy.
- Weight loss.
- Medication including prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Supporting devices like canes or crutches.
- Surgery, in case none of the above-mentioned therapies work.
Osteoarthritis Treatment Diet
Following food items should be included in osteoarthritis treatment diet:
- Oily fish: mackerel, sardines, fresh tuna, and salmon.
- Oils: extra virgin olive oil, safflower, and avocado oils, that help in lowering cholesterol.
- Dairy: yogurt, milk, and cheese.
- Dark green leaves: collard greens, chard, kale, and Spanish.
- Green tea.
Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Orthopedics
For more information about osteoarthritis, or any other orthopedic issue, consult an expert orthopedic at the earliest. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Orthopedics, we have highly qualified and experienced doctors, modern equipment, and state-of-the-art laboratories, to provide early detection and treatment options for all patients.
Contact Al Hilal Hospital, and get consultation with the best orthopedic in Bahrain for osteoarthritis and other orthopedic diseases. For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
