World Arthritis Day

Arthritis Overview

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness. The 2 most common types of conditions in arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of bones breaks down. This can cause the bones to rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints. This can cause inflammation, pain, and damage to the joints.

Symptoms of Arthritis

If you have arthritis, you may experience –

• Pain in one or more joints
• Swelling and inflammation in the joints
• Stiffness and difficulty moving the joints
• Redness & warmth in the affected area

If you are dealing with arthritis, it is important to work with a healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that meets your individual needs and helps you manage your condition.

Causes of Arthritis

• Injuries leading to degenerative arthritis
• Abnormal Metabolism
• Genetic Inheritance
• Immune System Dysfunctions.
• Obesity
• Ageing
• Muscle Weakness
• Wear & Tear of joints due to overuse.

Treatment options to manage Arthritis

There are many different treatment options for arthritis, and your healthcare team will work with you to find the best approach for your individual needs.

1. Lifestyle Changes - Doctors who specialize in conditions that cause painful swelling offer these lifestyle changes to help you manage your arthritis
1. Regular exercise can help maintain or improve flexibility in joints & surrounding muscles.
2. Limit Alcohol Intake
3. Quit Smoking
4. Take time to rest & relax
5. Maintain a healthy diet to avoid the risk of being overweight.
2. Physiotherapy - Physiotherapy is an important part of most arthritis treatment plans, as physiotherapists are experts in assessing movement and can help you maintain an active and independent lifestyle.
3. Medications
1. NSAIDs - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Examples include Aceclofenac, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Tramadol, and Piroxicam among others.
2. Topical Applications (Gels/ Counterirritants) – Doctor-prescribed gels & ointments are used depending on the type of arthritis.
4. Injection Therapy (Into the Joints)
1. Steroids
2. Hyaluronic Acid Injection (Gel Injection) is used for the lubrication of joints
3. PRP Therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma) helps in healing joint injury.
4. BMAC Injection (Stem Cell Therapy)
5. Combination Therapy which includes both PRP Injection & BMAC Injection
5. Surgery
1. Arthroscopy (Minimal Invasive Surgery) - Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat various joint problems. The surgeon makes a small incision, through which a narrow tube with a video camera attached is inserted. This allows the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a high-definition video monitor. Arthroscopic surgery has many benefits, including less pain and scarring, shorter recovery times, and reduced risk of infection. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as torn cartilage, joint inflammation, and damaged ligaments. Arthroscopic Surgery options include Debridement & lavage, regeneration & transplantation procedures.
2. Joint Replacement - This is an option for people with severe arthritis who have not found relief from other treatments. This surgery involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint. Joint replacement surgery can be very successful in relieving pain and restoring function.

Why Gleneagles Global Hospital, Lakdikapul

Our team of highly skilled orthopaedics & physiotherapists are here to help you through every step of your treatment. We offer a range of treatments and services to meet your needs, and we're dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care possible. Our treatment options cover all procedures & surgery methods listed above to give you a tailor-made recovery plan best suited for your problem.

Enquire Now at Gleneagles Global Hospital, Lakdikapul, Department of Orthopedics, to know more.