Click. Pop. Griiiiind.
Do you hear clicking, popping, or grinding when you move your shoulder, fingers, hip, knee or other joints? Is it especially loud or painful first thing in the morning after you wake up? And, what about swelling…especially in the joints where you hear the noise? Well, you may be one of the millions of people who are affected by osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, most common from middle age (50 and onward). It causes pain and stiffness and in worse cases, swelling of the joint.
As this cartilage wears away, the ragged surface of the cartilage and surface of each bone begins to rub together causing inflammation, which leads to pain. Once the process begins there is no cure, but fortunately there are treatment options to help alleviate the symptoms and pain.
There are non-surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis. Non-operative treatments may include suggestions such as over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, applications of heat or ice, therapeutic exercises, and/or steroid injections.
For those with advanced arthritis, our orthopedic surgeon may suggest surgery or a total joint replacement. It is important to see an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your symptoms as soon as you start suffering. Like most diseases, osteoarthritis is best served when treated early.
For a consultation on your osteoarthritis symptoms and pain, schedule an appointment with one our orthopaedic surgeons. We’ll properly diagnose and treat your pain. Call 915-249-4000 or visit us at www.orthoep.com.
