Osteoarthritis - Prevention and Cure

MBBS, MS(Ortho), MRCS(Eng), MRCS(Ire), MRCPS(Glasgow)

May 18, 2015

As we grow older aches and pains are something that we expect. But for some they are rather a burden which has a bad impact on their quality of life. Arthritis affects all ages. There are more than 1000 different types of arthritis. Among these osteoarthritis is the most common. According to the World Health Organization it is one of the 10 most disabling diseases in the world affecting people of countries like India where agriculture is the main occupation. Researchers have predicted that by 2015 arthritis will be the most common problem in the country.

Osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis also known as degenerative arthritis, is a disease of the weight bearing joints, caused mainly due to an ageing process. People beyond the age of 60 years are most commonly affected by this condition. As per global statistics 18% of women over the age of 60 suffer from this condition compared to 9.6% of men.

Occasionally, it may occur in younger people as well, due to trauma to the joint. The hip joint, knee joint and the joints of the thumb are most prone to this disease. It is an incapacitating condition which hampers mobility of the patients thus leading to a non productive life.

Osteoarthritis should not be confused with other forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (VAATA), psoriatic arthritis and gouty arthritis. The latter conditions are caused by inflammation of the joints, unlike osteoarthritis which is a progressive mechanical joint disease associated with old age. This differentiation is very important as the treatment of these conditions is very different.


Osteoarthritis is of two types:

Primary: There is no exact cause for this. It is seen in older age groups and in weight bearing joints like the hip and knee. Usually joints of both sides are affected, one side more than the other. Obesity is a predisposing factor. There is no hereditary preponderance. People involved in heavy labour are mainly affected.

Secondary: Due to a predisposing factor like trauma, fractures or infection of the joint. Usually one joint is involved and it occurs at a relatively younger age, when compared to primary osteoarthritis.

Pathology: Normally all weight bearing joints consist of bones which are covered with articulate cartilage. This cartilage is healthy in younger people and not sensitive to pain. It's basic function is to protect the underlying pain sensitive bones from coming into contact with each other, something like " a cushion between the joints ".

Osteoarthritis is a disease which causes this cartilage (cushion) to wear off, thus exposing the bony surfaces which rub against each other producing pain.


Symptoms:

Pain is the most important symptom. In the early stages pain typically occurs following weight bearing and on walking for a long time. It's more severe while climbing stairs or squatting. It is typically relieved by rest and pain killers.

However in the later and severe stages the pain worsens, thus hampering the movement of the patient. In most severe cases pain is present even at rest.

Pain can also referred to the neighboring joints.
Eg: osteoarthritis of the hip can present as knee pain.

Restriction of mobility: It occurs due to pain and stiffness. Initially the person might not be able to walk long distances, but as severity increases he might not be able to move around, even well within his home. The range of movement of the joint also reduces gradually.

Crepitus: The patient usually complains of "click" like sound on moving the joint which is due to the "loose bodies " formed within the joint due to the disease process.

Swelling and redness: This might occur occasionally. But is not as severe as the swelling that occurs in other forms of inflammatory arthritis.


Investigations:

X rays are the gold standard to diagnose this condition. The X rays are usually taken in the standing position, from the front and sides.

Normal X ray
X ray with osteoarthritis

A. Showing decreased space between the bones showing wear and tear of the joint
C. Loose bodies

MRI might be occasionally required to see the condition of the cartilage.


Treatment:

"Prevention is the best cure" is a common saying and is true to this condition as well. However one must understand that the process of the joints wearing off is a normal age related process and it cannot be completely avoided. However the extent to which the joint wears off can definitely be controlled.


The following measures would help to protect our joints:

1) Weight reduction: Obesity being an important factor contributing to this disease, weight reduction becomes paramount in avoiding this condition. Though conditions like diabetes and binge eating have no direct bearing on this condition, as they predispose to weight gain, they must be controlled.

2) Activity modification: Activities like climbing and getting down stairs, sitting cross legged, squatting should be avoided whenever possible. Western toilets should be preferred. Walking and jogging should be done using soft footwear and on jogging tracks whenever possible. While jogging, Concrete surfaces should be avoided.

3) Exercises: These are prescribed so that the muscles of the limb become strong so as to reduce the workload on the joints. Light exercises like yoga and swimming are preferred.


Medications:

There are no medications to reverse the damage that has already occurred in the joint. However medications do help in reducing pain and protecting the joint from wearing off further, to a certain extent.

1) Pain killers: These are prescribed in acute painful episodes. They provide immediate pain relief. However their action is temporary and long term continuous usage is discouraged as they can cause kidney damage and acidity problems.

2) Drugs to protect the cartilage: They help to prevent disease progression.
Commonly used drugs that protect the cartilage are diacerin, glucosamine, pro, collagen peptides.

3) Injections into the joint: Hyaluronate injections into the joint are advised in mild to moderate cases, which improve the lubrication within the joint. These injections are given once a week for 3-5 weeks, depending on the severity. There is a yearly injection available as well, which is expensive.

Surgical treatment: In moderate to severe conditions where the patient depends on pain killers on a regular basis to relieve the pain surgery is indicated.

1) Arthroscopy and debridement: This is done in moderate cases. This is a key hole surgery, where very small surgical wounds are made over the knee. Joint is washed thoroughly with surgical fluid. Following surgery, patient has considerable relief from pain. However it provides temporary relief, usually lasting for around 4-6 months.This surgery is relatively inexpensive and minimally invasive.

2) Osteotomy: This is a protective surgery that is done in mild to moderate cases, in order to prevent the condition from progressing. This is a bone surgery in which the bone us straightened and is fixed with a "plate". The patient needs to walk with a crutch without bearing weight on the operated limb, for 6 weeks following surgery.

3) Total knee replacement: This is done in advanced cases. Following this surgery the patient would have significant pain relief and a reasonably good range of joint movement. The patient can walk around independently. However squatting is discouraged following this surgery, as it would damage the implant. The patient requires physiotherapy and exercises for 4-6 weeks following surgery to attain the best possible result.

With the advances in the field of medicine, life expectancy has improved. Hence many people around the world will continue to develop age related arthritis. Preventive measures are well worth taking. A regular check up and early specialized treatment would go a long way in improving ones quality of life.

 

Contact:

Dr Vivian Roshan D' Almeida
MBBS, MS(Ortho), MRCS(Eng), MRCS(Ire), MRCPS(Glasgow),
Fellow in Knee Surgery, Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine(USA., South Korea)
Consultant Orthopaedic, Knee & Arthroscopy Surgeon,
Ortho 1 Speciality Clinic.
Mobile: +918147421567
Clinic: +918242451389
Email: v_dal1981@yahoo.com

Dr Vivian Roshan D'Almeida
To submit your article / poem / short story to Daijiworld, please email it to news@daijiworld.com mentioning 'Article/poem submission for daijiworld' in the subject line. Please note the following:

  • The article / poem / short story should be original and previously unpublished in other websites except in the personal blog of the author. We will cross-check the originality of the article, and if found to be copied from another source in whole or in parts without appropriate acknowledgment, the submission will be rejected.
  • The author of the poem / article / short story should include a brief self-introduction limited to 500 characters and his/her recent picture (optional). Pictures relevant to the article may also be sent (optional), provided they are not bound by copyright. Travelogues should be sent along with relevant pictures not sourced from the Internet. Travelogues without relevant pictures will be rejected.
  • In case of a short story / article, the write-up should be at least one-and-a-half pages in word document in Times New Roman font 12 (or, about 700-800 words). Contributors are requested to keep their write-ups limited to a maximum of four pages. Longer write-ups may be sent in parts to publish in installments. Each installment should be sent within a week of the previous installment. A single poem sent for publication should be at least 3/4th of a page in length. Multiple short poems may be submitted for single publication.
  • All submissions should be in Microsoft Word format or text file. Pictures should not be larger than 1000 pixels in width, and of good resolution. Pictures should be attached separately in the mail and may be numbered if the author wants them to be placed in order.
  • Submission of the article / poem / short story does not automatically entail that it would be published. Daijiworld editors will examine each submission and decide on its acceptance/rejection purely based on merit.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to edit the submission if necessary for grammar and spelling, without compromising on the author's tone and message.
  • Daijiworld reserves the right to reject submissions without prior notice. Mails/calls on the status of the submission will not be entertained. Contributors are requested to be patient.
  • The article / poem / short story should not be targeted directly or indirectly at any individual/group/community. Daijiworld will not assume responsibility for factual errors in the submission.
  • Once accepted, the article / poem / short story will be published as and when we have space. Publication may take up to four weeks from the date of submission of the write-up, depending on the number of submissions we receive. No author will be published twice in succession or twice within a fortnight.
  • Time-bound articles (example, on Mother's Day) should be sent at least a week in advance. Please specify the occasion as well as the date on which you would like it published while sending the write-up.

Comment on this article

  • Okoro Chioma, Lagos state Nigeria

    Tue, Apr 04 2017

    I need good pain killer for knee and hip pain ,my age is 36 years pls help me out

  • Fr. Edward rodrigues sj, Mangalore

    Fri, Jul 17 2015

    Hi vivian, really great.very nice article.I am proud of u as a teacher who had a rare opportunity to interact with u, a student with qualities of head and heart back in 1994 in 8th std. Very spiritual boy too. Wish u the best. May god bless u and yr family.

  • Norbert M Shenoy, Kadri, Mangalore

    Sat, May 23 2015

    Kudos to Dr. Vivian for making such specialized knowledge accessible to lay people like us.

  • Elizabeth D'Souza, Mudarangady, Dubai

    Sat, May 23 2015

    Very informative and great article dr.vivian. Congrats and continue the good work.God Bless You.

  • Irene Sequeira, Derebail / Queens- NY

    Fri, May 22 2015

    Very informative article. I got answers to all my questions. Thank you doctor.

  • Stan D Souza, Ruzai / Bangalore

    Thu, May 21 2015

    Very informative article in a lay man's language, Vivian. From what I gather from various comments, you have already proved yourself to be an expert in your field. Your parents must be proud of you and I am proud to be their friend.

  • Tony Crasta, Mangalore/Sydney

    Thu, May 21 2015

    One of the best articles on the subject that I came across in the recent times. It is concise, yet comprehensive, and as various other commentators said, it is informative, and written and illustrated in simple terms, without any medical jargon, etc.

    Excellent work Dr. Vivian, and you have great potential. Keep the good work going.

    Referring to the comments by Ramachandra (India), I am sure, it is a typographical error, and the Dr. Vivian would have meant the year should be 2025, or 2050 for that matter.

  • Joyce Menezes, Mangalore/Dubai

    Wed, May 20 2015

    A complicated ailment...and a vast topic....explained to a common man's understanding....Great Job Dr.Vivian....Congratulations!!!

  • Lynette D'sa, Mumbai

    Wed, May 20 2015

    Very informative article doctor.

    I would like to know your contact details.

    Thanks.

  • Dr.Roy Frank, m'lore

    Wed, May 20 2015

    great article dr.vivian. very informative. congrats and continue the good work.

  • Ravindra, Mangalore

    Wed, May 20 2015

    Hi Doctor. Excellent informative article in simple language. A common person can get all the knowledge about the arthritis and related problems in old-age.Keep it up.

  • Dr. Elroy Saldanha, Mangalore

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Wonderful article Vivian. U have concised and provided information on such a exhaustive subject. I'm sure most of the patients would benefit and will be guided with your article. All the best for all your future articles and keep the good work on arthroscopies and joint replacements going.

  • osteoarthritis , dr.rakesh. rai

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Gifted orthopedic surgeon. Congrats on the great work and service for humanity.

  • Gloria Russell, Spain

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Yes it was very informative for people suffering with O/A in their knees. What about the ones with O/A in their hips. Mine has got progressively worse over last few yrs but my Dr still just prescribe Parasetamal with codiene/ibuferin etc. which helps in the short term but I'm also told that taking it as prescribed for me (4 times a day)I could become addicted to the codiene etc I'm at my wits end but not at the end or slowing down of my pain.!!!

  • John fernandes, shirva

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Very good and useful article. Very well explained. One can get all the knowledge about the arthritis and related problems in old-age.

  • Flavy Dalmeida, DUBAI/M'LORE

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Hi Vivi, very informative article. very proud of you dear. Surely will meet you soon. All the very best wishes for you.

  • martin,

    Tue, May 19 2015

    VERY informative article doc.of late athrities just like cancer/cardiac patients has become cash cow to doctors/hospitals.
    BUT you are rare exception.with your thoughtful understanding of patients situation you prescribe right course of action.
    UNFORTUNATELY all athrities finally driven to OT to dat imported knee cover.patient is NOT free to buy inexpensive alternative.this surgery should've been within 50k both knees, costs 4lac !!!!& this bank breaking figure forcing millions to endure excruciating pain in their fag end life.

  • sabitha, bangalore

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Informative and most of all explained in such a way that lay man also can understand...good luck to u vivian & keep good work going....
    Doctors are not only meant to treat people but also help them and be ready to serve them at any point of time...u are such a good example to it...

  • Thomas Devasia , Mangalore

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Great teacher and a friend and an even better surgeon. Good article. Keep em coming!!! Good luck.

  • Lloyd Cardoza, Bangalore

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Very interesting and informative article Dr Vivian. Daijiworld readers will surely benefit fron this. All the best

  • Dr Gajanan Prabhu , Mangalore

    Tue, May 19 2015

    Hey....Dr.Vivian...it's such a tedius and exhaustive subject ...and u tried to explain it in so simple lines tremendously...really worth reading.
    I have seen u doing joint replacements and you might have remembered dat we all clapped and cheered for the neat and apt work you did.
    Being into the Field of Ayurveda I never used to recommend joint replacements but after seeing your work,the confidence u imbibe both pre and post operative in the patients...I have this as the very next easy option...and I did refer many patients to you who are happy both for the treatment as well as the surgeon...few surgeons are blessed with such appropriate work...all the best...good luck..keep your best work ticking.

  • RONALD GOMES, Kadri, Mangalore

    Mon, May 18 2015

    Excellent & informative article. Will definitely help many to solve their doubts. Dr Vivian is already a big name among Orthopedics in Mangalore.Please keep writing informative articles in these columns. Wish you the very best.

  • Cecilia, Lalbagh,mangalore

    Mon, May 18 2015

    Very informative article...will help the daijiworld readers to lead a healthy life

  • shyla , belman

    Mon, May 18 2015

    Very informative article. keep up the good work. Looking forward to read more such articles by you.

  • martin, alangar

    Mon, May 18 2015

    Very interesting article doctor. Your consultanting also same very helpful.

  • Afreen sheikh, Mangalore

    Mon, May 18 2015

    One of the best doctors in town.

  • jacintha, kadri

    Mon, May 18 2015

    Thanks sir for this very informative article.I have osteoarthritis,would be grateful if someone tells me for how long can one take the drug to protect the cartilage?

  • Ramchandra, India

    Mon, May 18 2015

    "Researchers have predicted that by 2015 arthritis will be the most common problem in the country."

    Good article but just point out the error in the above sentence. We are already in year 2015 so we can not call it a prediction.

  • S SATISH KUMAR,

    Mon, May 18 2015

    The information provided by you are very precise and would help people who have many doubts in their mind.

  • Wilma, Udupi

    Mon, May 18 2015

    I am suffering from osteoarthritis and my Doctor explained me same way according to this article.Thank you for sharing this to us.Some doctors explain in very brief and patient doesn't understand.This article will help a lot to understand properly .


Leave a Comment

Title: Osteoarthritis - Prevention and Cure



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.