Osteoarthritis Of Joints

What is joint osteoarthritis?

Joint osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage –– a tissue that pads your joints –– erodes because of general wear-and-tear. Without a protective layer of cartilage, your bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it’s most common in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

What are the symptoms of joint osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Loss of flexibility
• Grating sensation
• Bone spurs
• Swelling

If you have any of these symptoms that don’t go away with at-home treatments (ice, rest, or anti-inflammatory medication), contact Coastal Spine.

Who is at risk of joint osteoarthritis?

Joint osteoarthritis affects people of all races and genders, but several things can increase your risk, including:

• Previous joint injuries
• Being 50 or older
• Being overweight or obese
• Bone deformities (malformed joints)
• Repeated stress on the joints

Certain metabolic diseases increase the risk of osteoarthritis, including diabetes, a chronic illness that affects your blood sugar levels.

How is joint osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Your Coastal Spine provider reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms, including when the joint pain started, where it’s at, and if it extends into other parts of your body.

Next, they examine your joints, checking your skin for redness, bruising, and swelling. Your provider gently presses on the joint to pinpoint sensitive areas and orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI. These procedures capture photos of your joints and cartilage, allowing your provider to assess the damage and determine the best treatment.

How is joint osteoarthritis treated?

Coastal Spine treats joint osteoarthritis using minimally invasive and conservative measures. They could recommend:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta), an antidepressant approved for the treatment of chronic pain
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Lubrication injections

If your symptoms continue or get worse, you might benefit from surgery. Coastal Spine offers several orthopedic surgeries, including bone realignment and joint replacement.

The treatment aims to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and encourage mobility.

Call the nearest Coastal Spine office today to explore treatments for joint arthritis, or make your appointment online.