ARTHRITIS: TOOLS TO KEEP YOU MOVING
by Robert A.Durbin, M.D.
For many, arthritis creeps into your life and begins to take over. Day by day or perhaps a sudden event brings your attention to the stiffness, pain and swelling of an arthritic joint. So what is arthritis? Why do some develop it? What can be done to improve the issues of arthritis?
Arthritis development and its symptoms
Arthritis is a progressive disease where the end surfaces of joints (articulating cartilage) become brittle, wear away and expose the underlying bone. Articular cartilage functions primarily to provide a smooth surface for the bones to move over one another. When cartilage wears away, bone is exposed to friction created by motion. This produces painful irritation to which bone will respond over time by developing spurs (osteophytes) and excess joint fluid. Excess fluid increases pressure in the joint and gives a sense of tightness. The brain will try to spare you pain, often limiting your tolerance to bear weight on the painful joint. Patients also commonly report feeling as though the knee will buckle or give out. All these combined will limit motion over time. There are many factors that go into developing arthritis. Weight plays the biggest factor. While not the quickest route to relief, years can be added to a joint with improved pain by losing as little as 30 pounds.
Treatment options other than surgery
Arthritis has no cure, but there are several options available to manage arthritis. Research has shown, diets rich in omega-3, selenium, vitamin D and vitamin C, as well as utilizing Glucosamine / Chondrotin supplements can help. By combining these supplements with weight control, specific exercises and joint protection, patients can slow the progression and improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, avoiding surgery. For some patients a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) may be needed. While there are many options, all NSAID’s carry side effects, some more severe than others.
What to do when pills don’t help
After trying everything at home, some patients may still struggle with pain. At this point your doctor may recommend trying an injection. If the pain is from a recent flare-up, a corticosteroid injection may be the answer. While certainly a good option for occasional episodes, corticosteroid injections are not a good way to manage frequently recurring pain issues.
Another injection option to consider is viscosupplementation. Sometimes referred to as “rooster coombs” injections, these series utilize a substance, hyaluronic acid, to help joints collect and hold water, improving lubrication and reducing friction. It does take a little longer to feel the improvements, but the benefits last longer than corticosteroids, anywhere from 6 to 18 months or more. There are no interactions from these injections with any medications you take for other health issues. Diabetics will be glad to not experience jumps in blood sugar level, as do corticosteroid injections. Some shots may be composed of materials from roosters, so be sure your doctor is aware of any allergies / reactions you have had to eggs, feathers, poultry or flu shots. No need to change your activities the day of your injection. Mild injection site irritation may occur, such as redness, bruising, soreness, but these will resolve during the first 24 hours. Rarely do patients experience anything more serious, but joint reactions can occur, even if you do not have allergies.
If you have been suffering from arthritis issues and would like to discuss your options, talk with your physician or contact The Cardinal Orthopaedic Institute.
What is Viscosupplementation?
If you are looking to manage frequently recurring pain issues associated with arthritis, viscosupplementation is one consideration. Sometimes referred to as “rooster coombs” injections, these series utilize a substance,hyaluronic acid, to help joints collect and hold water, improving lubrication and reducing friction.