Osteoarthritis Overview

Degenerative disorders that intensify with age can be troubling for any individual to maintain on a daily basis. Unfortunately, one of these disorders that commonly develops for most adults is osteoarthritis, which affects millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the process in which the cartilage that coats the joint areas begins to disintegrate. Without the protective coating the cartilage provides, joint areas begin to swell up and this can create pain/discomfort. Although common in all joint areas of the body, osteoarthritis will also frequently appear in the spine. If you’re seeking osteoarthritis treatment in Suffolk County, the doctors at Orthopedic Spine Care of Long Island are here to help reduce your pain and determine the proper course of action for treatment.

Risk Factors

Like most deteriorations, osteoarthritis will become progressively worse through ordinary aging. The wear and tear process your joints are forced to endure contribute to this declination, but scientists have acknowledged that all forms of arthritis are considered a disease of the joint. Contributing factors that can be a catalyst for osteoarthritis can include the following:

1. Genes – Inheriting the disorder from previous members of your family is a common element of osteoarthritis development. One inherent factor that could be transferred between generations is the lack of collagen production in the body. Collagen is the protein that leads to the development of cartilage, which of course protects the joints from arthritis-related issues.  
2. Weight – Forcing your body to tolerate extra weight can put severe strain on your joints, leading to the aforementioned wear and tear development. Being overweight poses a higher risk for the development of osteoarthritis.
3. Overuse – Constantly using your joints will also stimulate cartilage deterioration. This can be a common problem for athletes and individuals who rigorously perform repetitive movements.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis of this condition begins with a review of the patient’s clinical history, a physical examination, x-rays, and/or MRIs.Orthopedic Spine Care of Long Island recommends taking the following measures into consideration when choosing osteoarthritis treatment in Suffolk County:

Treatment Options Include:

• Regular Exercise – Strengthening exercises are an excellent way of providing support to your affected joint area. By strengthening the supporting muscle groups in the region, you will reduce stress on the arthritic joint.

• Weight Control – Since increased weight is a major cause of osteoarthritis, keeping the weight off will certainly assist you in pain management of the joints.

• Cortisone Injections – Injections help to provide pain relief by reducing joint inflammation. To see if this pain management service is right for you, click here to request an appointment.

1. 1. Heat/Cold Pads – Applying either of these pads to your affected joint areas can potentially help relieve some of the discomfort. Heat pads can relieve stiffness while cold pads can aid muscle spasm related pain.
   2. Assistive Devices –  Devices such as a cane or a walker can keep pressure off your joint areas, which may lower your level of discomfort.

• Surgery –  Depending on the severity of your joint condition, your orthopedist or pain management physician may recommend a surgical approach.

If you’re seeking more tips and assistance for osteoarthritis treatment in Suffolk County, click here to contact Orthopedic Spine Care of Long Island and schedule an appointment today.