Osteoarthritis Treatment

How Can Osteoarthritis Be Diagnosed?

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, X-ray imaging, and medical history. During a physical exam, your doctor may look for inflammation, tenderness, or swelling in the affected joint as well as decreased range of motion. X-rays can be used to detect the narrowing of joints and the presence of bony spurs. Lastly, your doctor may ask questions about any family history of osteoarthritis, past injuries to the joint, or other medical conditions that could increase the risk for osteoarthritis.

How Do Orthopedic Doctors Treat Osteoarthritis?

Orthopedic doctors may use a variety of treatments to help manage osteoarthritis symptoms. Common treatments for osteoarthritis include lifestyle and diet modifications, physical therapy, medication, and injections.

Medications

Orthopedic doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce inflammation and pain. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications such as corticosteroids or biologic agents.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are typically the first line of treatment for pain due to osteoarthritis. These medications work by blocking certain hormones that cause swelling and inflammation in the body.

Common NSAIDs for osteoarthritis include:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen sodium
• Celecoxib

Injections

Orthopedic doctors may also prescribe injections, such as corticosteroid injections or viscosupplementation, for those with more severe cases of osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids are injected directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and provide relief for several weeks or months. Viscosupplementation involves injecting a lubricant-like fluid into the joint to improve joint movement and reduce pain symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a treatment option used by orthopedic doctors to improve mobility and strengthen weakened muscles caused by osteoarthritis. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and improve joint functionality.

Common physical therapy techniques include:

• Range-of-motion exercises
• Strength training
• Strengthening of the core muscles
• Stretching and flexibility exercises

Fusion

Fusion of the joints may be performed if osteoarthritis has caused severe damage to a joint. During this procedure, two ends of a bone are fused together using either rods or screws. This makes it impossible for the joint to move and will prevent further wear and tear on the area. The goal of fusion is to reduce pain, improve stability and improve function in the affected area.

Other Surgical Options

In some cases, other techniques such as cartilage transplantation, microfracture and Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) may be used to reduce pain and improve mobility in the affected joint. These techniques involve removing diseased or damaged tissue from one area of the body and transplanting it into another area to replace missing or damaged tissue.

When to See a Doctor for Osteoarthritis Treatment

If you are experiencing knee pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion in any of your joints, it is important to contact the orthopedic team at Cameron Hospital for a professional evaluation. Our doctors can help diagnose and treat osteoarthritis to help you manage the condition and reduce its impact on your daily life.

It’s important to remember that diagnosing and treating osteoarthritis early is key to managing the condition successfully. If left untreated, osteoarthritis may worsen over time causing permanent joint damage and disability.