Best treatment for Joint Pain-Primus Super Speciaity Hospital in India

Prof. Surya Bhan
Director of Orthopedics at
Primus Super Specialty Hospital

Prof. Surya Bhan is one of the most senior Orthopedic teacher and surgeon in India and as well known nationally and internationally for his contributions to teaching, research and excellent operating skills and human touch in patient care. he is the chief Joint Replacement Surgeon and Director of Orthopedics at Primus Super Specialty Hospital. Performing more than 1000 joint replacement surgeries annually including complex primaries and revision total joint replacements, both on international and patient from with in the country,

                Joints Pain – It’s not a DEAD END!!!

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes the cushion layer between your bones (called cartilage) to wear away. It is also called degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, and it is the most common type of arthritis.

What factors increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee?

Several factors may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Heredity:There is some evidence that genetic mutations may make an individual more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Weight: Weight increases pressure on joints such as the knee.
• Age: The ability of cartilage to heal itself decreases as people age.
• Gender: Women who are older than 50 years of age are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee  than men.
• Trauma: Previous injury to the knee, including sports injuries, can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Repetitive stress injuries: These are usually associated with certain occupations, particularly those that  involve kneeling or squatting, walking more than two miles a day, or lifting at least 55 pounds regularly
• High impact sports: Elite players in soccer, long-distance running and tennis have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Other illnesses: Repeated episodes of gout or septic arthritis, metabolic disorders and some congenital conditions can also increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.

• Other risk factors: Other factors are being investigated, including the impact of vitamins C and D, poor posture or bone alignment, poor aerobic fitness, and muscle weakness.

 What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis typically develops gradually over a period of years. The primary symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis include:
• Pain (mild, moderate, or severe)

• Stiffness

• Limited range of motion in the knee
• localized swelling Knee osteoarthritis pain is usually worse following activity, especially overuse of the affected knee. Stiffness can worsen after sitting for prolonged periods of time.

How is osteoarthritis of the knee treated?

Knee osteoarthritis cannot be cured but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. Medications, starting with paracetamol, can help manage and relieve pain. Some patients obtain better pain relief when using NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs). There are opioid analgesic medications available for patients who need stronger pain relief.Aside from medications, other treatments include:

• physical therapy

• weight loss if overweight
• topical creams
• knee brace or support
• heat and cold
• surgery
Getting diagnosed and treated while knee osteoarthritis is still in the early stages is most beneficial. If treated early, many people can effectively manage mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Are there other options?

If oral medicine and physical therapy don't help your knee enough, your doctor may consider giving you an injection with pain medicine (called anesthetic). It can stop the pain for days to weeks. Adding another medicine (called a corticosteriod) to the anesthetic may keep the pain and inflammation away longer. If this doesn't help enough, your doctor may talk to you about surgery.

Coping with Osteoarthritis

It can be difficult to cope with osteoarthritis symptoms that interfere with usual activities of daily living. The best way to cope with physical limitations is to know you are doing everything you can do in terms of pain relief and improving physical function. There are actions which will improve your ability to cope. Read the list and ask yourself if you are doing the right things:

1. Recognize Early Symptoms of Osteoarthritis It's important to recognize and pay attention to any new symptoms you are experiencing. In terms of joint pain, which is usually the first symptom experienced by osteoarthritis patients, consult a doctor if it persists longer than two weeks.
2. Consult With a Doctor You TrustBeing diagnosed is a process, and it best to go through the process with a doctor whose opinion you value, whom you trust and respect, and who makes you feel comfortable.

3. Be Compliant with Your Treatment Plan To have the best chance at managing your pain, you must be compliant with your treatment plan. Take medications as directed, and follow all of your doctor's advice. You can also keep a diary to help you remember to stay on track with your treatment regimen and to make notes when you are feeling worse or better.

4. Exercise to Help Decrease Pain Exercise is important for osteoarthritis patients. Gentle exercise helps keep joints mobile and functioning properly. Regular exercise wards off muscle atrophy and may decrease joint pain.

5. Eat Well and Maintain Ideal Weight Being overweight impacts weight-bearing joints and can increase the pain of osteoarthritis. As you walk, your hips, knees, and ankles bear three to five times your total body weight. For every pound you're overweight, the equivalent of three to five pounds worth of added pressure is added to each knee as you walk.

6. Try Relaxation and Distraction to Ease Pain Everyone deals with chronic pain differently. There are individual responses to living and coping with chronic pain - a lifelong condition that is not going away. It's important to realize that, despite that, chronic pain need not consume every moment of your life. By finding time for relaxation, however, you choose to relax your mind and body. By finding ways to distract yourself from pain, you essentially are managing your pain.

7. The Value of Support is Immeasurable It's important to surround yourself with people who understand the difficulties of living with chronic pain. Supportive family and friends can do so much just by listening when you need an ear, helping when you need assistance, relaxing with you, distracting you, and -- most importantly -- understanding.

8. Don't Forget to Reward Yourself Managing osteoarthritis pain will require some sacrifice and lifestyle modifications. If you have to take arthritis medications, you may need to give up the occasional beer you enjoyed. If you are trying to maintain an ideal weight, you may need to skip the dessert course of your meal. If you have set realistic goals regarding exercise, you should eventually see positive results. Just as importantly, don't forget to treat yourself every now and do something that will boost your mood. Whether it's spending a day at the spa, getting a new haircut, buying a new pair of comfortable shoes, or all three -- you decide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Primus Hospital Super Speciality Hospital

Chandragupta Marg Chanakyapuri, New Delhi- 110021
For appointments : +91 9999920206, 6620 6630, 6620 6640
For Emergency : +91 11 6620 6620
Fax : +91 116620 6650, 2611 2633
Email : info@primushospital.com
Website : www.primushospital.com

Primus Super Speciality Hospital has been running the following center of excellence successfully and have been treating thousands of patients across the world with fantastic patient satisfaction .

Primus Orthopedic Center
Primus Centre for Sports Medicine
Primus Neurology and Neurosurgery center
Primus Digestive and Hepatobilliary Center
Primus Spine Center
Primus Urology centre
Primus Fertility center
Primus Diabetes , Obesity, and Endocrine Centre
Primus ENT & Cochlear Implant Centre
Primus Oncology centre
Primus Department of Dental Sciences
Primus Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Primus Eye Care Centre