Osteoarthritis Treatment
We Can Recommend the Right Treatment for Your Needs
Cartilage covers the end of each bone, creating a smooth surface that allows joints to move easily. But that all-important rubbery cartilage can wear away over time, resulting in pain and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the loss of cartilage in the joints, making it painful to move your hands, hips, or knees.
If conventional osteoarthritis treatments such as prescription medications, physical therapy, or injections do not provide relief, our doctors at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin can perform bone realignment or joint replacement surgery. Our practice, with offices in Cedar Park, Lakeland, and Austin, TX, can recommend the right treatment for your needs.
Non-surgical Treatments
There is no known cure for osteoarthritis. However, a wide range of treatments are available to successfully manage symptoms:
Surgery
Not every osteoarthritis patient is a candidate for joint surgery. However, if your doctor recommends surgery, this option can repair or replace compromised joints such as the hips and knees. Drs. David Dodgin and Matthew Heinrich specialize in joint replacement using minimally invasive techniques resulting in a short recovery period and fast healing.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness. Many osteoarthritis patients report pain or discomfort in the hips, knees, or lower back after rising in the morning, being extremely active, or finishing a period of inactivity. Stiff, swollen joints in the hands may make it difficult to grasp and hold objects. Something as simple as opening a cereal box or using a computer mouse may be a challenge. When the lower body aches, walking or lifting objects can be difficult. Everyday activities such driving a car may also be affected. As osteoarthritis progresses, bones may start to degrade. In later stages, the cartilage wears, causing the bones to rub against each other. This results in continued joint damage and chronic pain.
Osteoarthritis is most likely to affect the:
Hip
With pain in the groin or buttocks
Knees
With pain inside the knee or thigh and sometimes a scraping sensation when moving the knee
Spine
With pain in the joints and discs of the neck and lower back
Fingers
With pain resulting from spurs or growths at the edge of joints
Feet
With pain in the large joint at the base of the big toe and possible swelling in the ankles and toes
Medicine
Certain medications are also effective for osteoarthritis pain. These include:
- Over-the-counter drugs prescribed by a doctor
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ranging from aspirin and ibuprofen to prescription drugs, to reduce inflammation and pain
- Corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory remedies that can be taken orally or injected directly into a joint
Assistive devices can also help an osteoarthritis patient regain mobility and independence. Scooters, canes, walkers, braces and shoe orthotics are just a few of the devices that patients use to enhance day-to-day living.
Causes & Risk Factors
You may be more likely to develop osteoarthritis if you:
Are Older
Have Inherited Traits That Cause Osteoarthritis
Such as bones that do not fit together normally or an abnormally low production of collagen
Are Overweight
Which stresses joints and causes cartilage to break down quickly
Have Joint Injuries
Including fractures or ligament tears, or engage in an occupation or sport that requires frequent repetitive movements
