What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the gradual breakdown and damage to cartilage that function as "shock absorbers" at the end off your bones. There are many forms, but osteoarthritis is the most common and occurs with aging. Osteoarthritis is a disease of joint cartilage, mediated by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of this cartilage.
The most common symptom is pain, usually worse at the end of the day. There may be swelling, warmth, popping or grinding of the affected joints. Pain and stiffness may also occur after long periods of inactivity, for example, sitting in a theater. Pain at rest or pain with decreased range of motion is common with severe osteoarthritis. Symptoms can be intermittent, but are usually progressive.
Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed from the history, physical, and radiographs. There is currently no blood test for this diagnosis. Blood tests may be helpful to exclude other arthritic conditions that can mimic osteoarthritis. The most common radiographic findings of osteoarthritis are narrowing of the joint "space" between adjacent bones, bony spur formation, and cyst formation.
Although we do not have a cure for osteoarthritis, there are modalities that may be employed to improve symptoms. The goal of treatment is to reduce stress, pain and inflammation, while improving and maintaining function and mobility. The program outlined below may be helpful to improving symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Total Sports Care Arthritis ProgramStep 1
Make a commitment to improving the state of your joints
Step 2
A realistic weight loss plan
One extra pound translates to 4,000,000 pounds on your weight-bearing joints each year. Simple techniques include reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake, eating a well balanced breakfast, eliminating night snacks, drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day, regular, and consistent exercise 3 times per week or more.Step 3
Use regular exercise to reduce joint pain
Simple low-impact exercises can reduce pain, improve motion, and relieve feelings of depression associated with arthritis. Exercises that are beneficial for joints include swimming, water aerobics, walking, tai-chi, yoga, and eliptical gliders. Try and avoid high-impact activites such as running or jogging.
Step 4
Begin a strengthening program
Simple weight lifting exercises can promote increases strength and muscle mass at any age. Benefits include improved metabolism and stability around joints. Applying local heat before and cold packs after exercise may relieve pain and inflammation.Step 5
Wear proper shoes
Good shoes may help decrease shock and load transferred to joints with walking. Typically, these shoes should have a shock absorbing heel and sole (push), a stabilizing heel cup (squeeze), and a strong shank (twist). Some better manufacturers include Rockport, SAS, Mephisto, Doc Martens, and New Balance.Step 6
Use a brace or insert to stabilize and align your joints
Arthritis can cause bowing deformities with the loss of cartilage. Utilizing a wedge in a shoe may help correct this. You must see your physician and have standing weight-bearing radiographs to determine the angle of your joints. An elastic bandage or sleeve may provide a feeling of stability to your joint as well.Step 7
Use the proper types and amounts of medications
Make a written list of the medications you are on and why you take them. Review this list with your doctor to simplify this list if possible. There are many over-the-counter medications and creams that can be effective first choices in arthritis care. Newer prescription medications are safer and typically are taken once-a-day. For patients who are unable to tolerate these medications or who have decreasing benefit, a local corticosteroid injection may be injected into the joint. These should be minimized to once every 4 months.Step 8
Talk to your physician about chondroprotective agents
These are medications and supplements that attempt to protect joints from further destruction and/or stimulate cartilage cells to be more productive. Examples include glucosamine sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and doxycycline. There are also hyaluronic acid derivatives that are injectable into the knee that have been helpful. These include Synvisc and Hyalgan.Step 9
Consider taking anti-oxidants and minerals
Antioxidants are important to help reduce damage caused to cells by "free radicals". Common vitamins such as vitamin C and E have a role in proper cartilage formation. The minerals selenium and boron may also play a role in the progression of arthritis. A multi-vitamin enriched with these antioxidants and minerals may be beneficial.Step 10
Follow-up with your physician on a regular basis
Meeting with your physician on a regular basis can lead to a trusting relationship. Your progress can be monitored easily and your treatment can be custom tailored to your needs. Regular visits will improve the detection of progressive arthritis and lead to earlier and more effective treatment regimens. Lastly, some surgical procedures may give added relief if conservative treatment is failing.