Millions of adults suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in the U.S., which causes daily pain and greatly limits movement. Statistics show that it affects over 32 million adults in America.
Osteoarthritis (OA)—degenerative joint disease—occurs when the protective cartilage wears down. This condition exposes the bones, which causes joint pain. The longer OA is left untreated, the worse it can get. Over time, it can result in chronic joint pain and severe joint stiffness.
This blog will discuss the symptoms of this joint disease, what contributes to cartilage damage, and the best treatments for OA cases.
Traumatic incidents, such as car crashes, slip & falls, and workplace mishaps, can trigger the development of OA. If you got into a personal injury accident, don’t hesitate to call Physicians Group LLC. Our team is always ready to help you start your recovery journey.
Check These Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Osteoarthritis symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time. Most people notice the pain intensifying after a few days, weeks, or months. They also experience daily tasks becoming more and more difficult as their condition gets worse. Knowing early arthritis symptoms can help make the right decisions to manage OA more efficiently.
Common Osteoarthritis Symptoms
- Joint pain: A dull or aching osteoarthritis pain that can be felt when walking or doing other movements.
- Joint stiffness: You can feel stiffness usually in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
- Tenderness: you may feel sore when your joints are touched or pressed.
- Reduced flexibility: Bending, twisting, or extending your joints is more complex and limited.
- Swelling: You may notice puffiness around your joints due to inflammation.
- Clicking or cracking sounds: since cartilage is degenerating, the affected joints will create a grating sensation when moving.
- Bone spurs: In some cases, extra bone can form around the joints.
Symptoms of OA are usually the same, whether experiencing knee or hip osteoarthritis. Once you experience them—minor or severe—the best thing you can do is seek proper medical attention.
What Causes Osteoarthritis
The leading cause of osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing of joints and the breakdown of cartilage. However, other factors contribute to its development and lead to arthritis pain. Here are some of them.
Common Factors Contributing to Osteoarthritis
- Aging: As you age, your cartilage naturally wears down as you use your joints.
- Joint injuries: Injuries caused by car crashes, workplace mishaps, and other accidents can contribute to OA.
- Repetitive stress: Your job and other activities can stress your joints, which can wear the cartilage.
- Obesity: Extra body weight can also affect your joints and cartilage.
- Genetics: If your family has a history of osteoarthritis, there’s a chance you’ll also get it due to genetics.
- Bone deformities: Abnormal joint structures can lead to faster cartilage wear.
Knowing the common causes of osteoarthritis can help you make a long-term plan to reduce your risk of OA. Changing your lifestyle, avoiding extreme activities, and managing your weight can help a lot.
Manage Your Osteoarthritis with These Effective Treatments
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for osteoarthritis. Luckily, there are numerous osteoarthritis treatment options out there that can provide long-lasting osteoarthritis relief. Choosing the proper arthritis treatment for your condition can make your life easier and more pain-free.
Medications
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs: naproxen and ibuprofen can significantly reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Topical treatments: creams and gels containing diclofenac can relieve specific joints.
- Corticosteroid injections: these injections are used in severe cases to lessen the swelling.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin: these supplements can efficiently support your joint’s health.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
- Low-impact activities: Cycling, walking, swimming, and other activities that aren’t strenuous.
- Strengthening training: Building your muscles can help support your joints.
- Stretching and flexibility training are important for reducing stiffness and increasing joint range of motion.
Osteoarthritis Surgeries
- Knee replacement: This procedure replaces damaged parts of your knee, such as the cartilage. Metal and plastic parts are commonly used.
- Hip replacement: Exactly like knee replacement surgery, but focuses on the hips.
- Osteotomy: This surgery adjusts your joint, aligning it to relieve pressure and pain.
Alternative Therapies
- Acupuncture: Can reduce the pain by puncturing your skin and tissues with needles.
- Chiropractic care: improves your joint alignment for better function.
- Heat and cold therapy: Heat packs can relax the muscles, while cold therapies can reduce the swelling.
All these treatment approaches are practical ways to find relief. Knowing your OA severity will help you decide what treatment plan is right for you.
Got Osteoarthritis Because of an Accident? Let Physicians Group Help You
As we’ve said earlier, car crashes and other personal injury accidents don’t lead to osteoarthritis. But, they can speed up its development. If that happens, call us immediately.
At Physicians Group LLC, we aim to help you manage and treat joint pain caused by accident-related injuries. Our team of medical doctors, chiropractors, and rehabilitation specialists can give you complete care so you can maximize your recovery.
We offer advanced diagnostics, such as X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds, that can efficiently diagnose your condition. In addition, we also provide trusted surgeries, non-surgical treatments, and joint injections that can help relieve OA pain.
Call us today. Don’t let auto accidents and personal injuries cause you lifetime joint pain. Let us help you on your path to recovery.