Osteoarthritis symptoms develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Stiffness.
- Pain.
- Inflexibility.
- Bone spurs.
- Grating sensations.
Your doctor may use many diagnostic tools to diagnose Osteoarthritis. To name a few:
...Your doctor may use many diagnostic tools to diagnose Osteoarthritis. To name a few:
Medications might be required to mitigate pain in those areas with mild and moderate pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are administered to reduce inflammation of joints. As excessive dosage of medicine could result in stomach, heart, liver, and kidney related problems, it is always recommended to consult a specialist and take prescribed dosage.
An individualistic exercise plan can be framed by your physical therapist to assist you in strengthening your muscles and increasing the movement of joints. Gentle exercises like walking and stretching can be very effective.
You could avail the services of an occupational therapist, to assist you in simplifying your everyday tasks. For example, if you have Osteoarthritis in your knees, you could be advised to sit while taking a shower instead of standing. If you have Osteoarthritis in your fingers, it could be easier for you to hold a toothbrush with a larger handle rather than a smaller one.
With the gentle exercises and deep breathing involved in Yoga, you can reduce the pain and swelling of your joints.
Cortisone and lubrication injections may be used to relieve pain by supplying cushioning effect in the affected joint.
In the surgical procedure called osteotomy, your surgeon would cut across the bone, and adds or removes a wedge of bone. This would aid in shifting of the body weight away from the worn out joint. This method is also called realignment of bones. In another procedure, called arthroplasty, damaged joint surfaces are replaced with plastic or metal substitutes. Because surgical repair is risky and involves wear out and eventual replacement of the joint, surgical therapy is recommended as the ultimate resort.
You should immediately see a doctor if you experience any pain in the joints, rash over any part of the body, any mid joint symptoms, or side effects from the medication. These symptoms might altogether worsen your condition, if proper care is not taken.