OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE, HIP AND ANKLE

Arthritis is a medical term for a condition that causes inflammation of your joints and is a condition that affects about 1 in every 5 U.S. adults.There are more than 100 types of arthritis but the most common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. These two conditions cause chronic pain and restricted mobility.  

CAUSES OF ARTHRITIS 

  • Normal Wear and tear is one of the most common causes
  • Autoimmune disorder is another common form of arthritis. The organism immune system attacks the soft tissue in the joints. 
  • Reduction of cartilage tissue 
  • Injury
  • Family history of arthritis 

TYPES OF ARTHRITIS 

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms and happens due to the normal “wear and tear” of the joint during daily activities. This degenerative condition breaks down the protective cartilage that surrounds the ends of the bones, causing the bones to rub together. As the cartilage wears away the friction that happens when a person moves causes inflammation. It can be extremely painful especially when the cartilage is completely worn off and there is a condition called “bone to bone” making the bones rub together. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing the body’s immune system to attack the body’s own cells and tissues. This causes inflammation in the lining of your joints making them swollen, stiff, warm and painful. Unlike Osteoarthritis, this type of chronic joint pain and stiffness can be mildly improved with gentle movements. 

OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HIP

Hip pain is a common problem that can result from a variety of different issues, such as injuries, pinched nerves, muscle or ligament problems, and diseases. One of the most common causes of hip pain is osteoarthritis, a chronic condition that occurs when the cartilage (flexible tissue) that separates the joints deteriorates. Symptoms tend to develop slowly and can include pain around the affected joints, tenderness, and stiffness after a period of inactivity. If the deterioration advances enough and the bones start rubbing against each other, loss of flexibility and joint movement may also be experienced. Osteoarthritis in the hip can cause a feeling of cracking or grinding noise when flexing the joint.

Hip pain can also be brought on by problems in other parts of the body, such as the back, spine or knees. The exact location and type of pain varies depending on the cause of the problem.

OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE KNEE

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the knee. It is a condition that develops slowly and the pain only gets worse over time. As a “wear and tear” type of arthritis, it is most common for people over the age of 50. The osteoarthritis in the knee affects the bones, cartilage and synovium in the knee joint.  The synovium produces a fluid, called synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and supplies nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage.  

Osteoarthritis in the knee can cause pain and stiffness making hard to maintain the daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs. 

OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE ANKLE 

Osteoarthritis in the ankle is characterized by pain, swelling and tenderness around the ankle joint. Grinding sounds when moving the joint can suggest that the ends of the bones forming the joint are moving against each other. 

It is diagnosed with a physical examination and an assessment of the bone alignment while walking. 

DIAGNOSIS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS 

During the medical examination, the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms and may also perform quick tests to check muscle strength, reflexes, range of motion and how the person walks.

If osteoarthritis is suspected in the knee, hip or ankle,  imaging and/or nerve function tests may be ordered. This can include an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, myelogram, and electromyography (EMG). 

TREATMENTS 

  • Nsaids
  • Medication Management
  • Medial Branch Blocks
  • Radiofrequency Ablation
  • Physical Therapy
  • Joint Replacement