Joint Pain: The Guide to Osteoarthritis Treatment in Glen Mills

Understand How to Get the Best Osteoarthritis Treatment near Glen Mills

Do you suffer from osteoarthritis pain? Are you frustrated with your current treatment? If you are searching for a new center for your osteoarthritis treatment look no further than Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Glen Mills!

Do I Have Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is referred to as the “wear and tear” form of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease where joint movement progressively gets worse and worse. This is a condition that mostly affects people later in life.

Arthritis, in general, is caused by the cartilage of the joints slowly, over time, deteriorating. Cartilage lines the joint to allow for smooth movement of the bones within the joint. When the cartilage wears away it becomes harder for the joint to move smoothly. This can cause sharp pain during movement and over time can develop into osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis can range from mild to severe. So to truly know if what you or a loved one is experiencing is osteoarthritis, there are some symptoms most patients experience, such as:

• Swelling or inflammation

• Pain or a dull ache of the joint

• Joints may stiffen or a bump may develop over the joint

There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis but it is critical to identify the symptoms as early as possible. The earlier you identify the symptoms and and begin treatment, the better your chances of significantly decreasing the progression of the disease.

Well, What Are the Osteoarthritis Treatment Options in Glen Mills?

The first thing you should do if you suspect you are suffering from osteoarthritis is to see a medical professional, like the specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Glen Mills. Depending on the severity of diagnosis, there are different osteoarthritis treatment options.

The first type of treatment is non-surgical. This is for mild cases or when the disease is caught very early on. There are three main types of non-surgical treatments:

• Lifestyles changes: Your physician might recommend rest or taking up low impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling. An osteoarthritis treatment diet might also be recommended if your weight is contributing to the stress on your joints. This is an example of an osteoarthritis natural treatment.

• Medication: Your physician might recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, called corticosteroids, to relieve inflammation. Sometimes they can even be injected directly into the joint. However, this is only a temporary fix and is not meant for long term treatment. Dietary supplements may also help relieve pain.

• Physical therapy: A combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and an exercise routine might increase the flexibility, reduce pain, and increase the range of motion of your joints. It may be necessary to wear a supportive brace during this activity. Ice and heat can also be used to relieve pain.

The second form of treatment is surgical. This option should be reserved for severe cases or cases where non-surgical treatments were unsuccessful. This treatment option depends on many factors such as your age and activity level, the condition of the affected joint, and the extent to which osteoarthritis has progressed.

There are four types of surgical options such as:

• Arthroscopy: A surgeon uses a small scope to remove bone fragments or damaged lining.

• Osteotomy: The bones of the arm or leg are realigned to take pressure off the joints.

• Joint fusion: The surgeon fuses together the ends of the bone. Pins, screws, rods, and plates are temporarily used while the bone heals. This surgery completely limits joint movement.

• Joint replacement: The deteriorated joint is completely removed and replaced with an artificial joint.

Don’t let osteoarthritis steal away your freedom and mobility, the specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Glen Mills are ready and willing to help with your osteoarthritis treatment. Please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.