What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a slow-developing and progressive disease that often lacks clear symptoms in its early stages, causing many individuals to be unaware of their condition.

Osteoarthritis

Definition: Osteoarthritis is a condition classified among inflammatory joint disorders, characterized by the deterioration of cartilage, the soft tissue at the end of bones in a joint. This cartilage serves as a cushion to absorb impact and allows for smooth joint movement. Over time, it can wear down, leading to pain and discomfort.

Individuals at Risk:

Aged 50 and Above: Both men and women in this age group who engage in heavy physical work or activities.
Aged 70 and Above: This group shows a prevalence rate of 80-90% for developing osteoarthritis.
Overweight Individuals: Those who significantly exceed the standard weight range are at higher risk of accelerated joint deterioration, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
Occupational Risk: Individuals whose jobs require excessive joint usage or have poor joint usage habits (e.g., prolonged sitting cross-legged, kneeling, or maintaining incorrect postures).
History of Joint Issues: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, prior joint infections, or injuries that damage the joint’s soft surface are more susceptible to osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

Audible Sounds: Patients may hear clicking or popping noises during joint movement, and new bone growth may occur as the body attempts to strengthen the joint.
Pain and Discomfort: Movement may cause pain due to the rubbing of bone surfaces. Some individuals experience persistent pain, which can limit mobility and lead to muscle weakness.
Stiffness: Particularly noticeable in the morning.
Joint Deformities: Such as bowlegs or outward-turning knees, along with a limited range of motion.

Diagnostic Methods:

Physical Examination: Assessment by a specialist in bone and joint disorders.
Imaging Tests: X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the bones.
Bone Mass Density Measurement: Using Bone Mass Densitometry (BMD) to assess bone health.

Treatment Guidelines for Osteoarthritis:

Physical Therapy: Muscle relaxation and pain reduction through tailored therapeutic methods as determined by a physician.
Medications: To reduce inflammation and joint pain, allowing patients to maintain a near-normal lifestyle.
Joint Injections: Injection of lubricating substances or artificial joint fluid can improve lubrication and alleviate pain.
Arthroscopic Debridement: A minimally invasive procedure using a camera to diagnose and clean the joint, smooth the joint surface, repair torn ligaments, or place cushioning implants.
Corrective Osteotomy: Realigning the bones to correct knee joint deformities for improved weight-bearing and force distribution.
Joint Replacement Surgery: Considered when conservative treatments are ineffective. This procedure involves replacing the affected joint with an artificial one, enhancing mobility without persistent pain. Joint replacements typically use special alloys (such as cobalt) and polyethylene to mimic natural joint surfaces and are biocompatible.

Consultation Recommendation:

If you experience joint pain, it is advisable to consult a specialist in musculoskeletal and joint conditions at Phyathai Sriracha Hospital. Our team of expert surgeons specializes in joint replacement surgeries for knee and hip osteoarthritis, utilizing artificial joint replacements or corrective surgeries to restore functionality to damaged joints.