What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a slow-developing and progressive disease that often doesn't present clear symptoms in the early stages, leading many people to be unaware of their condition.

Osteoarthritis is a disease belonging to the group of inflammatory joint conditions. The following individuals are at risk of developing osteoarthritis:

1. Individuals aged 50 and above, both men and women, who engage in heavy physical work or activities.
2. Individuals aged 70 and above, with a prevalence rate of 80-90 percent.
3. Overweight individuals or those who have significantly exceeded the standard weight range are more prone to accelerated joint deterioration, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
4. Individuals with occupations that require excessive joint usage or have incorrect joint usage habits, such as prolonged periods of sitting cross-legged, kneeling, or assuming incorrect postures regularly.
5. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who have previously experienced joint infections or injuries that have resulted in damage to the joint’s soft surface, making them susceptible to osteoarthritis.

Characteristics or conditions associated with osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the wearing down of the cartilage, the soft surface at the end of the connecting bones in a joint. Cartilage acts as a cushion to reduce any impact on the joint and enables smooth movement of the joints. Normally, cartilage has a smooth, flexible surface.

Symptoms experienced by individuals with deteriorating cartilage:

• Audible sounds during joint movement, and in some cases, the development of new bone growth, which is the body’s mechanism to strengthen the joint.
• Pain and discomfort during movement due to the rubbing of bone surfaces. Some individuals may experience increasing and persistent pain, limiting movement and leading to muscle weakness.
• Stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning.
• Deformity in the legs, such as bowlegs or outward turning knees, limited range of motion.

Diagnostic methods to assess the severity of osteoarthritis:

• Physical examination and joint assessment by a specialist in bone and joint disorders.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the bones.
• Measurement of bone mass density using Bone Mass Densitometry (BMD).

Treatment Guidelines for Osteoarthritis

1. Muscle relaxation and pain reduction can be achieved through physical therapy. The physician will determine the appropriate therapeutic methods.
2. Medications can be used to reduce inflammation and joint pain, allowing patients to lead a near-normal life.
3. Injection of lubricating substances or artificial joint fluid can improve joint lubrication and reduce pain.
4. Arthroscopic debridement involves using a camera to diagnose and clean the joint, smoothing the joint surface, repairing torn ligaments or meniscus, or placing cushioning implants.
5. Corrective osteotomy involves realigning the bones to correct deformities of the knee joint, allowing the knee to bear weight and distribute forces more effectively.
6. Joint replacement surgery is considered when conservative treatment with medication or physical therapy is ineffective. The procedure involves replacing the joint with an artificial one, improving mobility without persistent pain. The materials used in joint replacements are special alloys (cobalt) and a type of plastic (polyethylene) that closely mimic natural joint surfaces and are not harmful to tissues.

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, using artificial joint replacements or corrective surgeries to restore functionality to damaged joints.