Characteristics of osteoarthritis pain

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 08, 2024
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The characteristics of pain in patients with osteoarthritis mainly manifest as pain occurring frequently in the morning, which lessens after activity. However, if the activity is excessive, the pain can worsen. Another symptom is joint stiffness, which often occurs when getting up in the morning or after the joint has been in a certain position for a long time during the day. The affected joint may show symptoms such as swelling, pain, and a feeling of friction during movement. In severe cases, patients may experience muscle atrophy and joint deformity. Patients with osteoarthritis should pay attention to rest and avoid vigorous activities. They should use anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, as well as drugs that nourish the cartilage, to improve symptoms. When conservative treatment is ineffective and joint deformity or functional impairment occurs, joint replacement surgery may also be considered as a treatment option.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Can osteoarthritis be treated with moxibustion?

The primary cause of osteoarthritis is degeneration, which can lead to damage, wear, and tear of cartilage within the joints, as well as the formation of excessive osteophytes and bone spurs around the joints. These changes cause symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. There are many treatment methods available, the most common of which include oral medication, rest, physical therapy, and moxibustion, all of which can help alleviate symptoms. However, these treatments only provide relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis and do not cure the condition. If a cure is needed, surgical treatment, such as total knee replacement, may be necessary to fully recover. Conservative treatments like moxibustion can help relieve pain and reduce swelling, but they only offer relief and do not cure the condition. Therefore, while moxibustion can alleviate pain from knee arthritis, it cannot cure it.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by degenerative changes in the joints, with symptoms primarily manifesting as swelling, pain, fluid accumulation, and limited mobility in the joints. Severe cases may even lead to joint deformities and movement disorders. In terms of treatment for arthritis, it can be divided into non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatment involves rest and avoiding strenuous activities to prevent further joint damage. It may also include the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers, chondroprotective drugs, or intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate to relieve symptoms. Additionally, treatments such as hot compresses and physical therapy can be used. When conservative treatment is ineffective or accompanied by limb deformities and movement disorders, joint replacement surgery may also be an option.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Osteoarthritis characteristic symptoms

Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by degenerative changes in the joints. Symptoms mainly include swelling, pain, effusion, and limited mobility in the joints. In severe cases, it can even lead to joint deformities and impair joint mobility. Treatment for arthritis can be divided into non-surgical and surgical methods. The choice of treatment should be based on a comprehensive consideration of symptoms, the extent of the condition's progression, and imaging studies. Initially, conservative treatment methods can be employed. Patients with arthritis should rest and avoid vigorous activities. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers, cartilage nutrition drugs, and heat therapy can be used to alleviate symptoms. If conservative treatments are ineffective and there are deformities and mobility issues, joint replacement surgery may also be considered.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is osteoarthritis serious?

Regarding the severity of osteoarthritis, it is mainly determined by the clinical symptoms of the patient's osteoarthritis. If the osteoarthritis is only manifested by localized pain, and there is no obvious impact on walking, going up stairs, or going downhill, this means that the osteoarthritis is not very severe. However, if the local swelling and pain of the osteoarthritis are very severe, with considerable pain when going up or down stairs, and if there is popping of the joint or symptoms of entrapment, and the joint has already shown obvious deformation affecting the patient's normal functions, then it indicates that the condition is quite severe. In such cases, it is necessary to proactively consider arthroscopic surgery or artificial joint replacement therapy.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Differences between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly people, primarily due to long-term joint wear, leading to degeneration of the cartilage in the joints, causing symptoms of pain, swelling, and discomfort in movement. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis often begins in younger individuals and is linked to genetics and viral infections, primarily being an autoimmune disease. It is characterized by positive rheumatoid factor, including elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Additionally, the treatment methods for these two diseases are different. Osteoarthritis can mainly be managed with massage therapy, injections of sodium hyaluronate, and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, might require the use of immunosuppressants, steroids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain. Importantly, rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the small joints of the fingers, whereas osteoarthritis most frequently affects larger joints, such as the knee, highlighting the fundamental differences between the two conditions. (Note: The answers provided are for reference only. Medications should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)