Osteoarthritis
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Osteoarthritis, a form of degenerative joint disease that cause near-debilitating pain.
Osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease and it affects 27 million Americans. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it is most often seen in knees, hips, small joints of the fingers, lower back, neck, and the base of the thumb and big toe. Among those with osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joint breaks down, resulting in inflammation, problems moving the joint, and pain—sometimes severe. Osteoarthritis is most common among the elderly, with one in four adults developing symptoms of hip osteoarthritis by the age of 85, and one out of every two adults experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee during their lifetime.
Symptoms and Causes of Osteoarthritis
Those who have osteoarthritis can have a variety of symptoms, however there is almost always some level of pain. Symptoms of the disease include:
- Swollen joints
- Stiff joints
- Limited range of motion
- Cracking or clicking sounds when the affected joint bends
- Pain which is worse after walking, engaging in an activity, or toward the end of the day
- A “scraping” or “grating” sensation when the knee moves
- If the fingers are the affected joint, bone spurs may grow at the edge of the finger joints, resulting in swollen, red, tender fingers. There may also be pain at the base of the thumb
- When the hips are affected, pain may be felt in the groin, the buttocks, or on the inside of the thigh or knee
- When the feet are affected by osteoarthritis, the large joint at the base of the big toe may be tender and painful
While osteoarthritis is generally believed to be caused by the simple wear and tear of age, it is actually viewed by scientists as a disease of the joint which is affected by genetics, excess weight, injury and overuse, bone and joint disorders and metabolic disorders. Osteoarthritis is diagnosed via collected information from the patient, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests such as joint aspiration, X-rays and MRIs.
Treating Osteoarthritis
Since osteoarthritis is not “curable,” the goal is to control the pain and minimize disability. At Seattle Pain, our pain management specialists will work with you to compile a comprehensive pain management program, using both traditional and non-traditional treatments. The Seattle Pain specialists believe you deserve to live your life to the fullest, without constant pain, therefore may use one or more of the following treatment for your osteoarthritis pain:
- Corticosteroids
- Nerve blocks
Are you suffering from chronic joint pain?
Contact Our Seattle Interventional Pain Management Specialists
We understand that joint pain associated with osteoarthritis can be excruciating. At Seattle Pain, our primary goal is to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. We believe in treating the whole patient – and not just the injury. You do not have to live in pain. Call us today.
