OSTEOARTHRITIS: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
May is Arthritis Awareness Month which makes it timely for us to share some statistics about arthritis to help raise awareness, as well as shed some light on the most common form of arthritis osteoarthritis (OA), which affects millions of people globally. Some folks call it "wear and tear" arthritis or degenerative joint disease. With OA, the cartilage in a joint starts to break down, and the underlying bone begins to change. These changes usually happen slowly and get worse over time.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Based on a recent study, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) reported that about 1 in 5 US adults (21.2%) or about 53.2 million people had doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Arthritis can have substantial impacts on function. About 44.0% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis had limitations in their usual activities due to their arthritis based on the same data.
Arthritis is a complex condition characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness. Symptoms often develop gradually, starting in the smaller joints such as those in the hands and fingers, feet, and toes before progressing to larger weight-bearing joints such as the ankles, knees, hip, lower back, pelvis, and spine. It can also affect other areas such as the wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and jaw.
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Pain. Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.
Stiffness. Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
Tenderness. Your joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.
Loss of flexibility. You might not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
Grating sensation. You might feel a grating sensation when you use the joint, and you might hear popping or crackling.
Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.
Swelling. This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Although osteoarthritis can't be reversed, managing symptoms can reduce pain and improve mobility, some treatment options can include a combination of exercise, physical therapy, weight loss, injections, medications, and custom orthotic insoles.
A Custom Orthotic Insole can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. The orthotic can redistribute pressure from sensitive areas of your feet, provide cushioning to reduce stress on your lower body, and correct any gait or structural abnormalities that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Our sports medicine podiatry specialists can prescribe an orthotic that is customized to your specific needs, taking into account the unique structure of your feet and any biomechanical abnormalities you may have. With a custom orthotic, you can experience improved comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
To schedule your comprehensive biomechanical evaluation, visit drleecohen.com or call our Sports Medicine Podiatry Center and book an appointment at our Cherry Hill, N.J. Sports Medicine Facility or Ridley Park, P.A. Office location with one of our podiatric sports medicine specialists today by calling (610) 522-9200 or by visiting us at www.drleecohen.com.