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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is divided into several types.
Osteoarthritis can be divided into two major categories based on the presence of local or systemic causative factors: primary osteoarthritis and secondary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis is mainly associated with factors such as age, obesity, occupation, and overuse. Secondary osteoarthritis can be seen in the following diseases: First, it is mechanical or anatomical abnormalities, such as abnormal joint development, acute and chronic joint injuries, etc. Second, it is severe joint diseases, such as septic arthritis, tuberculous arthritis, etc. Third, it involves metabolic abnormalities, such as gouty arthritis. Fourth, it involves endocrine abnormalities, such as acromegaly, hyperparathyroidism, etc., all of which can trigger osteoarthritic changes to some extent.
How to reduce swelling from osteoarthritis
Patients with bone and joint issues experience joint swelling, which may be attributed to osteoarthritis accompanied by damage to the synovium, leading to synovitis and hence the swelling. Treatment for this condition should begin with rest. Individuals who are overweight should consider losing weight. Treatments can include hot packs, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, drugs that nourish cartilage, and medications that improve blood circulation and remove blood stasis to aid recovery. Minor swelling or fluid accumulation can gradually be absorbed through these measures. In cases of significant fluid accumulation, surgery may be necessary. For the treatment of osteoarthritis, it is advised to visit an orthopedic clinic for comprehensive examinations like X-rays, CT scans, etc., and undergo standardized treatment. (Please use specific medications only under the guidance of a doctor, and do not medicate on your own.)
The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatism
Osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration in old age that damages the cartilage, resulting in pain during joint movement due to the friction between the bones beneath the cartilage, as well as restricted mobility and even deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is typically caused by joint cartilage damage from rheumatic diseases, leading to the destruction of the cartilage. This disease is due to abnormalities in the immune system causing elevated anti-O and rheumatoid factors, and can be definitively diagnosed through etiological examination, physical examination, or blood tests.
Late-stage symptoms of osteoarthritis
In clinical settings, the symptoms of late-stage osteoarthritis are primarily characterized by severe joint swelling and pain, and the joints are prone to deformity, which affects the patient's ability to work or carry on with daily activities. For late-stage osteoarthritis, surgical intervention is often necessary. It requires thorough preoperative examinations to rule out surgical contraindications, followed by prosthetic joint replacement surgery. Postoperatively, it is crucial to actively manage the surgical site by changing dressings and disinfecting to prevent infection, typically every two to three days. Additionally, anticoagulant medications are needed to prevent the occurrence of thrombosis.
How to supplement the diet for osteoarthritis?
For osteoarthritis, it is best to eat more foods rich in protein, such as milk, egg whites, and fish, which have abundant protein and can help alleviate the condition. Furthermore, consume foods high in calcium and take calcium supplements. Osteoarthritis is mostly a chronic bone and joint disease, primarily affecting joint cartilage and leading to degenerative changes. It generally occurs more often in middle-aged and elderly people, and is more common in women than in men. In the early stages, the main lesions occur in the bone cartilage, with the joint cartilage being commonly affected. The cartilage surface may undergo erosion, exposing the underlying bone, and eating foods high in protein can help relieve symptoms. Moreover, collagen fibers can be supplemented by consuming broth made from large bones or pig's feet, which, combined with the use of calcium supplements, can better aid recovery. Regularly drinking milk is also very beneficial.
Osteoarthritis physical therapy methods
In clinical practice, there are various physical therapy methods for osteoarthritis patients, such as actively engaging in acupuncture, massage, moxibustion, cupping, and other therapies, which can effectively promote local blood circulation, facilitate the absorption of inflammatory exudates, and effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis in patients, with very good results. In addition, for osteoarthritis patients, besides physical therapy, it is necessary to reduce physical activity, strictly observe rest and protection, avoid cold exposure and apply heat locally, or wash with hot water. Intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, and nutritional cartilage medications can be completely adequate. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)
Is it good to use heat therapy for osteoarthritis?
First of all, it should be positively affirmed that electrothermal therapy has a very good effect on patients with osteoarthritis, and it is very effective. Electrothermal therapy can promote local blood circulation and thereby facilitate the absorption of local inflammatory exudates, which can effectively alleviate the pain symptoms caused by osteoarthritis. Additionally, for osteoarthritis patients, besides electrothermal therapy, they can also take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and drugs that nourish cartilage for treatment. Moreover, it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise, minimize local irritation as much as possible, and persist in applying local heat compresses or hot washing daily. During hot washing, Sichuan peppercorn and salt could be added to the hot water for the treatment.
Osteoarthritis complications
In clinical practice, there are many complications associated with osteoarthritis, mainly reflected in the following aspects. First, the presence of osteoarthritis causes the joints to exhibit obvious symptoms of swelling and pain. Often due to the pain and swelling, patients are reluctant to move, and prolonged inactivity can lead to joint stiffness and significant muscle atrophy in the affected areas. Second, osteoarthritis often leads to the extensive detachment of joint cartilage, making it easy for free bodies to form within the joint. Third, the presence of osteoarthritis may lead to the development of bursitis in patients. Fourth, osteoarthritis can also cause damage to the meniscus.
Osteoarthritis contraindications
Patients with osteoarthritis should reduce joint load and excessive movements, and obese patients should pay attention to weight loss to avoid aggravating cartilage damage. When symptoms are severe, a cane can be used to alleviate the burden on the joints. In terms of diet, one can eat more foods rich in vitamins, mainly various vegetables and fruits, and also consume foods high in calcium appropriately. Patients with arthritis should also pay attention to protecting the joint areas, and guard against cold and dampness to avoid exacerbating symptoms. When symptoms are severe, medication can also be used for treatment, such as anti-inflammatory analgesics and drugs that nourish cartilage, which can play a role in improving symptoms and delaying the progression of the disease. When mobility is impaired, surgical treatment might be necessary.
Is physiotherapy good for osteoarthritis?
The answer is affirmative. For osteoarthritis, especially that caused by chronic diseases, local physiotherapy helps promote the dissipation of inflammation, the reduction of joint effusion, and the improvement of local tissue inflammation. Moreover, for some patients with osteophyte formation, consistent daily physiotherapy also aids in improving local pain and swelling, joint effusion, and other symptoms. It helps in promoting regional recovery and alleviating the further aggravation of local effusion and swelling.