A brief
about arthritis
Osteoarthritis is simple wearing and tearing of knee joints
which progresses with age especially after 45-50 years. Arthritis patient
presents with marked pain and stiffness along with some rigidness within the
joint which does not allow complete range of motion.
Why are non surgical
treatments more opted for?
There is absolutely no assurance of symptoms reversal and
joint improvement even after the surgery instead, the patient undergoes a traumatic
experience on the surgical table as well as continues to struggle with his own
joints lifelong.
This evoked a need of alternative ways of osteoarthritis pain management which are known to decelerate the wear and tear and improve the
physical independence of the patient. These methods though do not reverse the
already occurred bony changes in the joint.
What are the invasive
methods for osteoarthritis?
The most followed invasive method is corticosteroid
injections which are given straight into the joint cavity to fight swelling and
inflammation. Some patients also opt for simple needling on pressure points
like acupuncture. In advanced stages,
patients are often given Hyaluronic acid injections which act as lubricants and
lighten the joint by giving a cushioning effect.
Other alternates
Medications
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are given in
combination. Where chondroitin blocks the cartilage damaging enzymes to make it
more elastic and supple, the glucosamine rebuilds the cartilage complex to compensate
for the damage during the active phases of arthritis.
Other medications include oral pain killers which reduce
pain on a short term basis and anti inflammatory drugs which help to reduce
pain and swelling.
Natural supplements
Natural extracts from soybean oils and avocados are best
known for their ability to stimulate the cartilage repair process. This does
not only help in alleviating the stiffness and ongoing inflammation but also
discourages use of steroidal/ non steroidal medicines.
Yoga therapy
A graded form of yoga enhances sense of well being, improves
blood circulation, induces more flexibility and above all builds the lost
stamina. A prior consent of the physician is good before starting yoga.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a comprehensive approach towards
patient’s rehabilitation. The patient is given a combination of modalities like
TENS, ultrasonic and hydrocollator packs to restore blood circulation and bring
down pain and stiffness in an effective manner.
Massage is also given to few patients to decrease spasm and
to give a placebo effect. Counseling for good posture, use of external aids and
braces is given to all patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Joint mobility exercises and resistance exercises builds the
muscles tone so that the everyday stress is distributed equally to the joint
and surrounding soft tissues.
Stem cell therapy
This is a latest technique to repair the joint cavity using
patient’s own cells. The cells are concentrated and injected in the joint which
further convert into cartilage producing cells and nourish the joint by freshly
prepared cartilage. With quicker healing, there is no rejection by the body.
