Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Okay, I'm a baby boomer looking in the mirror and realizing that middle-age passed me by quite some time ago. I'm gray, spreading in the middle, and getting stiffer everyday. Never thought it would happen to me. Now I have the disease I thought was reserved for my grandparents: osteoarthritis. Give me a quick review on what I need to do to stay on top of this problem.

You are not alone -- osteoarthritis is the number one cause of pain and disability in older adults around the world. Areas affected most often include the hip and knee, but other joints such as the spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ankles can be affected. Small joints of the hands can also cause pain, stiffness, and loss of motion and function from osteoarthritis. With so many adults affected, health care providers have tried to conduct research and report results in an organized way that includes evidence-based treatment guidelines. Current practice guidelines published by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) no one single treatment approach was recommended. Using a combination of drug therapies along with other conservative (nonoperative) approaches was preferred and most effective for the majority of patients. The bottom-line is to find a cost-effective way to reduce pain and manage other symptoms that accompany osteoarthritis. The more patients understand the disease, the better able they are to manage their own condition. So patient education is a key component of any successful treatment program. Finding ways to take pressure off the affected joints is a central feature of any successful program. For some patients, this means some lifestyle modifications, exercise, weight loss, and using supportive devices when needed. Studies show that combining exercise with weight loss works much better than just exercise or just weight loss alone. The three treatment approaches used most successfully include drug therapy, physical therapy, and surgery. At different times in your disease process, you may find one more helpful than the others. Finding the right combination of treatment approaches for each phase can take some time but is well worth it in terms of relieving pain and improving function. Your primary care physician can get your started with some education and self-management techniques. A referral to a physical therapist and/or an orthopedic surgeon may be needed. A team approach combining the knowledge and efforts of all three disciplines along with nutrition counseling for weight loss (if needed) can be very effective.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.