Osteoarthritis treatment at Noida Pain Management clinic

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of pain in older people. It is a very common cause of joints pain in Indian population. Mostly patient suffers from neck and back pain, knee pain, thumb pain and hip joint pain due to osteoarthritis. It is due to wear and tear of cartilage (supporting cushion in joints) of joints due to ageing or sometimes overuse.

 Is osteoarthritis same as rheumatoid arthritis?
No. Both are different.

I have knee osteoarthritis. Why my knee makes grating sound on walking?
When cartilage loss is high then the joint starts to lose its cushioning effect. Now due to rubbing of bone there can be pain when that joint is moved. Also, when torn cartilage rubs against each other then there is grating sound unlike in normal knee when cartilage is smooth.

 Who can develop osteoarthritis?
Though it can affect anyone, people at risk of developing osteoarthritis belong to following categories

• Advancing age
• Overweight and obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Overuse of joint (repeated use of stairs in those over 55 years)

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Mostly patients complain of following symptoms

• Deep pain which the patient is unable to localize.
• There is pain in that joint on movement. So, for a knee osteoarthritis patient there would be pain on walking and climbing stairs.
• Stiffness of joints when resting. When movement is started after resting for some time then again there is pain.
• Joint cannot be fully moved and there is less range of motion of that joint.
• Painful sound of joint is called crepitus which most patients of osteoarthritis complain of.

• Clinical examination and history. At Noida Pain Management Clinic, we examine a patient of osteoarthritis very thoroughly. We ask about duration of pain and at which time of day it is worse. We also examine the joints which are painful.
• X rays are very important. A key point to remember is that weight bearing of joints when X ray is being done. For knee X ray, standing position is must to find out cartilage loss.
• Ultrasound and MRI can also be used sometimes.
• ESR, CRP, CBC etc are other tests that we sometimes advise to our patients of osteoarthritis in Noida. 

What is the treatment of Osteoarthritis in Noida?
Treatment of osteoarthritis patients at Noida Pain Management Clinic, involves both medicines and lifestyle changes for best results. We make sure to discuss with patients in detail about various treatment options.  

• Educating patient and family about the fact that osteoarthritis can be managed but requires patient’s cooperation.
• Weight loss is a must for long lasting results.
• Exercising is the most important factor. After pain is controlled then exercising, muscle strengthening are must.
• Orthotics, knee brace, foot insoles etc. The use of night splints to slow the progression of joints damage and shoe inserts and careful fitting of shoes can also help preserve function and ease pain.
• A diet rich in calcium, Vitamin D and protein is advised. Patients are encouraged to eat fruits and green vegetables.
• Skin gels can also be applied.
• Over the counter (OTC) medications like acetaminophen can be given. Strong pain medicines to reduce pain can be given by a qualified pain management doctor for short time. 
• Physical and occupational therapy and exercise are very important when pain is controlled. A normal functioning joint is very important to prevent further deformity.
• Osteoarthritis of joints like knee can be treated by injections of Growth factors or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. At Noida Pain Management Clinic we inject growth factors concentrate or PRP injections prepared from patient’s own blood to help rebuild a joint. 
• Surgery when patients come with advanced damage to joints.

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