Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most commonly encountered conditions that people over fifty are affected by. Age alone is only one of the primary factors behind OA. Others include genetic predispositions, gender, previous trauma or injuries, workplace environment, obesity and other medical conditions affecting the joint and it's cartilage. The symptoms vary from slight creaks in the joint, pain, swelling and the loss of cartilages between bones. Sitting for longer periods of time can also trigger severe stiffness in the joint.
As OA is a degenerative joint disease there is no outright cure. Upon detection of the symptoms, a sport medicine doctor may order imaging - X-rays - when deemed appropriate to confirm the diagnosis. While joint replacement can be a reasonable solution for some cases, there are many non-surgical steps that can help with osteoarthritis.
5 Non Surgical Ways to Help with Osteoarthritis
1. Keep Moving and Stay Active
Many studies have …show more content…
Viscosupplementation is an injection of a gel like fluid, a lubricant called hyaluronic acid, into the affected joint. Hyaluronic acid is already found in joints and it has been shown that people suffering from osteoarthritis have below the normal levels. The gel acts like DW40 on a creaky door; it enables bones to move smoothly over each other and absorbs shocks on the joint. Often doctors will recommend injecting a corticosteroid followed shortly after by an injection of hyaluronic acid. There is now a combination of the two called Cingal. Fewer injections is a great way to prevent possibilities of infection. Lastly, in some cases, it will be recommended to perform the injection under ultrasound guidance. An ultrasound will give a live picture of where the sport medicine doctor is injecting the knee and it will help ensure the gel is being used in the exact area it's needed. Talk to your sport medicine doctor about the pros and cons of viscosupplementation, corticosteroids, and
As OA is a degenerative joint disease there is no outright cure. Upon detection of the symptoms, a sport medicine doctor may order imaging - X-rays - when deemed appropriate to confirm the diagnosis. While joint replacement can be a reasonable solution for some cases, there are many non-surgical steps that can help with osteoarthritis.
5 Non Surgical Ways to Help with Osteoarthritis
1. Keep Moving and Stay Active
Many studies have …show more content…
Viscosupplementation is an injection of a gel like fluid, a lubricant called hyaluronic acid, into the affected joint. Hyaluronic acid is already found in joints and it has been shown that people suffering from osteoarthritis have below the normal levels. The gel acts like DW40 on a creaky door; it enables bones to move smoothly over each other and absorbs shocks on the joint. Often doctors will recommend injecting a corticosteroid followed shortly after by an injection of hyaluronic acid. There is now a combination of the two called Cingal. Fewer injections is a great way to prevent possibilities of infection. Lastly, in some cases, it will be recommended to perform the injection under ultrasound guidance. An ultrasound will give a live picture of where the sport medicine doctor is injecting the knee and it will help ensure the gel is being used in the exact area it's needed. Talk to your sport medicine doctor about the pros and cons of viscosupplementation, corticosteroids, and