1. Lifeline multi-specialty hospital
Perungudi, Rajiv Gandhi road
Tamilnadu, India
T.+91 9176640002 (personal mobile)
27, 1st avenue, Besant nagar
Chennai 600090, India
Mobile: +91 9176640002 & +91 9282165002
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder in which the rate of breakdown of articular cartilage exceeds that of its synthesis. It is related to aging. Cartilage is the tissue, which is a firm rubbery protein material, which covers the end of bones. It acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the bones. It allows smooth and painless movement. When the cartilage is lost then the bones will grind together. It affects all the joints, especially the knees, ankles, fingers and the thumb. Obesity, malalignment of the knees, occupations like overhead painters, and sportsmen are more likely to get osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
Chronic swelling. The joint swelling is not red or hot. Pain Joint stiffness Grating sensation inside the joint. Pain on movement, which is better with rest. The pain is worse in cold weather. Loss of dexterity of a joint. Limitation of movement of a joint.
Causes and risks
Aging Overuse Injury Malalignment like varus and valgus knees Certain occupations which stress the joint Overhead sports
Treatment
Common sense measures like rest, ice, compression and elevation if the pain is very severe .Later on, local heat may be given in the form of a pad, hot water bottle, and wax bath. Absolute rest is only advised if mandatory otherwise it is better to remain active to keep the muscle tone up. Tablet Paracetamol or COX 2 inhibitors may be used. The orthopaedic specialist may administer an intra articular injection of a steroid/ Hyaluronate.
Other measures include provision of heel wedges to decrease the outward swaying that people with osteoarthritis adopt while walking.
Surgical options include High Tibial Osteotomy or Femoral Osetotomy is required to correct malalignment in relatively younger patients. Unicondylar knee replacement. Total knee replacement- Knee replacement is a temendously sucessful operation as the survivor ratio of the implant inside the human body exceeds 95% at 10 years and is more than hip replacements. Knee replacements offer lasting pain relief. Modern knees allow greater than 90 degrees of knee bend and this is important for Indians and people in the South asian subcontinent. People here offer Namaz on bent knees and squat on the floor.
