Osteoarthritis - Rheumatology clinic DRHC Dubai

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints, making it difficult to perform daily activities.

Causes of Osteoarthritis
The specific cause of osteoarthritis remains a mystery to medical professionals. Typically, osteoarthritis develops as joints undergo the natural process of wear and tear with age, resulting in the gradual loss of cartilage within the joints, there are several factors that also leads to osteoarthritis:

• Age: Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults, as wear and tear on the joints increase with age.
• Joint injury: Previous joint injuries or trauma can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra stress on the joints, particularly the knees, hips, and spine.
• Genetics: About 70-80 percent of Osteoarthritis patients have genetic component .
• Gender: Osteoarthritis is of the hands and knee is more common in woman than men, while hip OA is equally prevalent.
• Joint overuse: Repetitive movements or activities that put stress on the joints can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Different forms of arthritis also cause Osteoarthritis like:
  Gout
  Psoriatic Arthritis
  Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Pain and stiffness in the affected joint, particularly after periods of rest or activity.
• Swelling and tenderness in the joint.
• Decreased range of motion.
• Grating or popping sensations in the joint.
• Bony enlargements or bone spurs around the joint.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans. These tests help to assess the extent of joint damage and rule out other possible causes of joint pain and stiffness.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

• Medications:
  Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy:
  Specific exercises can help improve joint function, strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, and reduce pain.
• Weight management:
  Losing weight can help reduce stress on the joints and improve symptoms.
• Assistive devices:
  Braces, splints, or orthotic inserts can provide support and stability to the affected joint.
• Injections:
  These injections work by targeting the inflamed areas within the joint, providing targeted relief and promoting healing. Corticosteroid injections can help to quickly reduce pain and swelling, while PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections use the body's own healing factors to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. By incorporating these advanced injection therapies into your osteoarthritis treatment plan, you can experience enhanced pain relief and improved joint function. Hyaluronic acid is another treatment option we provide at rheumatology clinic DRHC Dubai for osteoarthritis that can provide relief for joint pain and stiffness. This natural substance acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joint, helping to reduce friction and improve joint movement

Arthroplasty/Joint replacement for osteoarthritis

Surgical options for osteoarthritis provide effective solutions for individuals experiencing severe joint pain and limited functionality despite conservative treatments. Joint replacement surgery, performed by experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rami Hamed at DRHC Dubai, offers a transformative approach to alleviate pain and restore joint function. With advanced techniques and personalized care, joint replacement procedures aim to replace damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, providing long-lasting relief and improved quality of life. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our rheumatologist and take the first step towards managing your osteoarthritis and improving your quality of life.

DRHC Dubai: Your Trusted Destination for Comprehensive Rheumatology Care. Call +97142798200 to Schedule Your Appointment Today.

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