Osteoarthritis affects every person on the planet, especially as we age. This condition is caused by the wearing away of the protective layer of cartilage at the ends of bones. It’s the same as the tread on a tire wearing out. Cartilage helps joints glide smoothly without causing pain, popping, or stiffness.
we sat together Dr. Vinay K. Agarwalan expert in hip and knee reconstruction. New York University Langone College of Orthopedicssaid there is a very effective way to prevent progression with a balanced lifestyle.
I am 50 years old and suffer from osteoarthritis. What can I do to prevent it from getting worse?
One of the first things my patients tell me when they see me is that they have developed joint pain that bothers them every day. “I know I have arthritis everywhere,” they say, which is often an accurate description of what’s going on inside their bodies.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, and its severity is key to determining the severity of symptoms. Osteoarthritis is the most common hip jointcausing pain in the groin and sides of the lower back. Knee jointcausing pain in the front, side, or back of the knee.
Some of the factors that accelerate osteoarthritis and cause cartilage wear are beyond our control, such as age and genetic predisposition. Thankfully, there are some factors we can control, including obesity, smoking, diet, and exercise.
Studies have shown that smoking significantly accelerates the drying of articular cartilage, making joints more brittle and leading to earlier onset of osteoarthritis. It is also important to be careful about what you eat. Some studies have shown that every additional pound of weight increases the pressure on the knee joint, and the force on the knee joint can be seven times greater than his. Staying active keeps your joints hydrated, and a healthy diet and lifestyle are also important.
What can be done to treat osteoarthritis?
Even if preventive measures do not help enough, there is still a problem Measures other than surgery We can treat pain and stiffness that can affect your quality of life. These include drugs such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Although these can treat the symptoms, there are no drugs yet to treat the progression of osteoarthritis, although some are being studied. physical therapy Helps strengthen muscles and stretch joints. injection therapy Concomitant use with corticosteroids and lubricants (gels) may also be recommended.
The last option for severe osteoarthritis is surgerythis can take the form of arthroscopic (minimally invasive) or arthroscopy. joint replacementIt depends on the exact nature of the disease and the joints affected.
Surgery is a last resort for many people, but it can be very effective and improve quality of life. In fact, millions of Americans undergo hip and knee replacement surgeries each year with great success and high levels of satisfaction.
Before considering surgery, it is important to choose a hospital and surgeon with a reputation for being reliable and successful. The surgeon must be an expert in the area of the body that requires help. This means that you need to be someone who has the proper education and training and has all the resources to achieve a successful outcome.
This includes all aspects of care, including the anesthesiologist, rehabilitation services, nursing, social work, and most importantly, the performance of its team. In all these areas, New York University Langone Orthopedics Team gives you the best option to get back to what you love.
NYU Langone can help. Find an orthopedic surgeon Close to home and close to NYU Langone Orthopedic second opinion service It’s available through an easy-to-fill online form. A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan or provide alternative recommendations for you to consider and discuss with your doctor.
Dr. Vinay K. Agarwalis an assistant professor in the Department of Adult Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Orthopedics at New York University Langone. He was drawn to orthopedics because it combined his passion for medicine, his love of athletics, and his passion for helping people enjoy a better quality of life. That’s because. He specializes in hip and knee conditions and takes a conservative approach to treatment before pursuing other options.
