Osteoarthritis, Pain

Control, and AntiInflammatory Drugs

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Osteoarthritis, Pain Control,

and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Affecting more than 27 million people in America, Osteoarthritis can
affect any joint in the body, but usually affects the small joints in the
fingers, the big toe, and the bases of the thumb, hips, knees, lower
back and neck.
It is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint
disease, and is basically caused by the wear and tear or rather
breakdown of the joint cartilage or Hyaline cartilage that is found
on the joint surfaces. The cartilage has a lot of collagen and its
function is to provide a lubricated surface that allows the reduction
of friction and the smooth movement of the joints. Unfortunately,
the cartilage has a limited capacity for healing and repair, and any
breakdown in it could result in a chronic condition known as
Osteoarthritis. When the cartilage breaks down, it could lead to
pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints that impairs free movement.

Osteoarthritis, Pain Control,

and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
The symptoms of Osteoarthritis are usually pain following an
activity or during it, stiffness of joints, cracking or clicking sound
when the joints make a bending movement and mild swelling.
Simple daily life activities that one takes for granted like walking,
climbing stairs, holding a car steering wheel, opening a box,
lifting things, etc., becomes difficult depending on where and how
Osteoarthritis affects the body.
Common in both the sexes, before the age of 45 for men and after
the age of 45 for women, the most visible sign of this joint disease
is the enlargement of bones particularly the formation of hard
knobs at the joint of the middle finger (Bouchards nodes), hard
or bony swellings at the joints closest to the ends of the fingers
(Heberdens nodes), and an unnatural bony hump at the base of
the toe (Bunions).

Osteoarthritis, Pain Control,

and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
X-rays help detect Osteoarthritis as they show loss of
joint cartilage, narrowing of the joints space between
adjacent bones and bone spur formation. Arthrocentesis
is performed by the Doctor in his office with the help of
a sterile needle to remove the joint fluid for further
analysis to help determine the proper diagnosis and the
type of arthritis. Arthroscopy is done by inserting a
viewing tube to detect abnormalities and any damage to
the ligaments and cartilage through the arthroscope.
Analysis of many factors can help the doctor in
diagnosing Osteoarthritis and its appropriate treatment.

Osteoarthritis, Pain Control,

and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Since this disease is degenerative, there is no cure;
however, the symptoms can be treated. Also, lifestyle
changes like exercising, diet, maintaining a healthy
weight, and medication to relieve pain are some of the
ways in which this condition can be treated. Also, applying
ice packs for 20 minutes can relieve swelling and pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can give pain relief,
but you must take them only as per strict instructions
from your doctor as these drugs may cause side effects.
Gels or cream rubs do help relieve joint pain and swelling
considerably, but should be used only on the advice of a
doctor.

Osteoarthritis, Pain Control,

and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Hyaluronic acid injections may be prescribed by your doctor
to lubricate your joints and keep them moving smoothly.
Hyaluronic acid is just like the natural fluid that the body
produces to keep your joints free from stress when you walk.
It is only prescribed if the patient does not seem to favorably
respond to other conventional treatments. Joint replacement
surgery (arthroplasty) is done after thorough consideration
by the surgeon if there is a need to remove damaged joint
surfaces and replace them with artificial ones.
It is very important for a person not to get overwhelmed by
Osteoarthritis and to handle it positively so that the body can
help itself with the natural healing process.

Thank You