Osteoarthritis may not be Treated with Joint Replacement
Because of the incapacitating nature of arthritis, surgeons have explored various means of treating the disease. For treatment of the pain and maintenance of joint movement, many patients are recommended to undergo surgery. If the root cause of osteoarthritis is managed, many hip replacement surgeries are avoidable, according to reports.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of joint disorder. Other names of OA include hypertrophic arthritis, degenerative joint disease and “wear and tear” arthritis. OA, a chronic condition, is mostly identified by the breakdown of joint’s cartilage. When the cartilage starts to collapse, bones rub against each other causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the joint.
OA, unlike rheumatoid arthritis ad systemic lupus, do not affect other parts of the body except where it developed. Pain in the affected joints caused by repetitive use is the most common symptom of OA. Swelling, warmth and creaking of the affected joints may also be experienced by patients. Pain and stiffness may develop after long periods of inactivity. Upon waking up, osteoarthritis patients complain of “morning stiffness.” The stiffness felt will go away after 30 minutes or less. It goes away with a mild activity that warms up the joint.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary from patient to patient. Some patients may be debilitated by their symptoms while others may remain asymptomatic even if degeneration is evident on X-rays. Symptoms can also be intermittent. The pain may worsen with activity throughout the day, and decreases intensity. Pain will resume disturbing the patient after a few minutes of rest.
Early detection and treatment of osteoarthritis is important. A successful osteoarthritis therapeutic regime begins with the initial step of early diagnosis and treatment. Exercise, joint protection, weight control, physical and occupational therapy and medications are included in most treatment plans. Patients suffering from severe forms of osteoarthritis, one that no longer responds to conservative methods, are recommended to undergo surgery. In the United States, total hip and total knee replacement procedures are regularly done in community hospitals. It can improve patient’s function and alleviate pain dramatically.
Surgical repair for osteoarthritis may be reduced if doctors direct their focus on the root cause of the disease, says Dr. Louis Pack, author of the book The Arthritis Revolution. He concluded that until the root cause of osteoarthritis which is abnormal alignment is treated, it is impossible to prevent OA.
Osteoarthritis is one of the indications for hip replacement surgery. The procedure has gained a lot of queries after a metal-on-metal hip device showed device-related complications. A hip replacement recall is being done in response to this health issue.