A Complete Overview of the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Osteoarthritis- When Should You Visit a Rheumatologist?

Our joint is the section where to bone comes together and joined by cartilage. But in Osteoarthritis or OA, the cartilage gets damaged and pushes the bones into a collision. This will cause immense pain and stiffness in the area. You will be unable to move your hands or won’t be able to walk properly.

OA mostly attacks older people due to the weak bones. It also happens because the liquid in the area gets dry. But, now a lot of young people are being affected by it. A minor or major accident may cause OA or it can happen due to heavy weight lifting. In a lot of cases, it takes time for the disease to show up. So, if you are having any symptoms, go for an Osteoarthritis Treatment as soon as possible.

Possible Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

OA can happen at any of your joints; it doesn’t only have to be your elbow or knee. OA can happen in your spine, hips and even at your fingertips.

You will feel pain in these areas, but that doesn’t have to be OA. If you feel the pain is getting more and more permanent or you are feeling pain while pressing the areas, you might have to seek treatment.

Some more Osteoarthritis symptoms are,

•    There is a fluid called synovial fluid, which helps with the friction between two bones. OA increases the flow. This causes the fragments of cartilage to float, causing joint swelling and pain.
•    You will not be able to walk or even sit properly due to muscle stiffness.
•    You may also experience sudden locking of your joints. It will stop the motor function in that area. You may fall or injure yourself badly.

Osteoarthritis diagnosis

Diagnosis for Osteoarthritis is almost the same as any other joint pain problems. As you visit your doctor, they will examine your situation and your medical history. Then they will ask to do one or several tests, such as blood tests, an X-ray test or MRI. After analyzing the results, they will provide you effective treatment.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis

The treatment of OA depends largely on the symptoms. You will get different treatment according to your symptoms. The treatment includes

•    Changing into a healthy lifestyle
•    Medication to relieve the pain
•    Home remedies
•    Better diet plans

Your lifestyle and home remedies may include

•    Weight loss, as being, can put too much pressure on your joints
•    You need proper rest. Adequate night sleep is very important to get rid of the fatigue. The more energetic you will be, the OA problems will be less likely to arrive.
•    Use heat and cold bags in one affected area. Alter between heat and cold to get better results.
•    Stretching and yoga can be very helpful to ease up the pain.

Medical treatment for Osteoarthritis

Your doctor will prescribe medication according to your pain or symptoms, such as

•    Tylenol or other pain relievers
•    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NASID
•    Some doctors prescribe Cymbalta for the acute pain
•    Sometimes injection are also given to relax the muscles

Perfect diet for Osteoarthritis

A healthy diet with antioxidants is very important in OA. You may consider,

•    Vitamin C & D
•    Omega 3 fatty acid
•    Fish oil
•    Green tea
•    Ginger

You can also opt for alternative treatments, like acupressure therapy, physiotherapy or massage therapy.

When to see a Rheumatologist?

The symptoms of Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are very similar. The only difference is that the OA is a degenerative condition, where the RA is an autoimmune disorder. In RA, both of your hands or legs will be affected. In such cases, you have to see a Rheumatologist Singapore. Your GP will diagnose you and will refer you to the specialists accordingly.