Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders, especially in older age. It causes damage to the cartilage lining the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. At EMC Sentul Hospital, we are committed to providing a better understanding of osteoarthritis and offering the best treatments to help you manage this condition. Let’s learn more!
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage that protects the ends of bones in a joint breaks down. The damaged cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and swelling in the joint. OA is most common in joints that are frequently used, such as the knees, hips, lower back, and hands.
In the early stages, OA symptoms are often not too bothersome. However, over time, the disease can cause significant loss of joint function, thus hampering daily activities and quality of life. Osteoarthritis can affect anyone, but the risk increases with age, and is influenced by factors such as joint injury, obesity, or family history.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Joint Pain: Pain that occurs after long-term use of a joint, or when the joint is forced to move in a certain position.
- Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after a long rest. This stiffness will disappear after a few minutes of movement.
- Swelling: Joints affected by OA may appear swollen due to inflammation.
- Limited Movement: Pain and stiffness can lead to decreased ability to move a joint freely.
- Cracking Sound: You may hear a “cracking” or “popping” sound when you move a joint affected by OA.
These symptoms can vary from person to person and can get worse over time if not treated properly.
Who is at Risk for Osteoarthritis?
Some factors that can increase a person's risk of developing osteoarthritis include:
- Age: Osteoarthritis is more common in people over 50 years of age, especially women.
- Joint Injury: Injury or trauma to a joint, such as a broken bone or torn ligament, can increase the risk of future OA.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts extra stress on joints, especially the knee joints, which can accelerate cartilage damage.
- Family History: If a family member has osteoarthritis, you are more likely to develop it too.
- Gender: Women are at greater risk of developing OA, especially after menopause.
If you have these risk factors, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have your joints checked regularly.
How to Prevent and Manage Osteoarthritis?
Although osteoarthritis cannot be completely cured, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life:
- Maintain Ideal Body Weight: Reducing the load on joints, especially the knees and hips, can help reduce OA symptoms. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential to achieving an ideal body weight.
- Regular Exercise: Even if your joints are sore, light exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help strengthen the muscles around your joints and keep them flexible. Avoid sports that put a lot of stress on your joints, such as long-distance running or lifting heavy weights.
- Massage and Physical Therapy: Therapeutic massage and physical therapy can help relieve pain, increase joint mobility, and improve posture.
- Taking Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. However, consult your doctor before taking these medications.
- Using Assistive Devices: Using assistive devices such as knee braces or orthopedic shoes can reduce pressure on joints affected by osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis Examination and Diagnosis at EMC Sentul Hospital
It is important to get checked out immediately if you experience symptoms of osteoarthritis. EMC Sentul Hospital has sophisticated examination facilities to diagnose osteoarthritis. Examinations such as physical examination , radiology , and MRI examination can help us assess the extent of damage to your joints.
Our experienced medical team will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the type and severity of osteoarthritis you have. With an accurate diagnosis, we can design an appropriate treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
Osteoarthritis Treatment at EMC Sentul Hospital
Osteoarthritis treatment aims to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and slow the progression of the disease. RS EMC Sentul provides a variety of treatment options tailored to your condition, including:
- Drug Therapy: Use of NSAIDs or other painkillers to manage pain.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Specific exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the joint and increase flexibility.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and joint pain.
- Orthopedic Doctor: In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as joint replacement (e.g., knee or hip replacement) may be performed to improve function and reduce pain.
The medical team at EMC Sentul Hospital will work with you to determine the best treatment, so you can return to your daily activities more comfortably.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Joints Healthy
Osteoarthritis is not a problem that should be ignored. With proper management, you can reduce pain and stay active. Don't let osteoarthritis get in the way of your activities! Consult your joint condition and start the right treatment for a healthier, pain-free life.
Article written by dr. Felais Hediyanto Pradana, Sp.OT (Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist Doctor, EMC Sentul Hospital).