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Osteoarthritis

 

Osteoarthritis, also referred to as OA, is the most commonly occurring type of arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with OA. It has a gradual onset and generally develops around the age of 50 and up. OA is a disease of the joints, affecting the entire joint and involving the cartilage's deterioration. This results in bones (such as the knees, hips, back) rubbing directly against each other.

  • Pain and stiffness of the joints
  • Bone spurs
  • Grinding sensation in joints (bones rubbing against each other)
  • Repetitive movement and stress on joints, such as activity on the job or sports
  • Age — Onset generally begins to occur after the age of 50
  • Obesity — The extra weight causes more stress on the joints such as the knees and hips
  • Gender — here is a higher rate of occurrence in females
  • Previous joint injury (such as sports, military, falls, accidents)
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Family history
  • Limited activity due to pain and stiffness
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Breakdown/deterioration of cartilage
  • Increased risk of bone fracture
  • Feelings of social isolation and depression due to pain and lack of mobility

Because some significant factors are genetics or age, Osteoarthritis cannot be prevented 100% of the time. There are, however, steps you can take to help protect your joints. The earlier you adopt these healthy measures, the greater the likelihood of keeping this disease at bay. Some of these actions are:

  • Staying active, movement to keep fluid in the joints
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoiding consistent overuse of joints

Your doctor should make an official diagnosis. They will run tests such as x-rays or examination of joint fluid. Unfortunately, there are no cures for Osteoarthritis. However, there are ways to slow its progression and reduce the symptoms. Some of the ways it can be managed are:

  • Reducing inflammation
  • Low impact exercise
  • Reducing sugar intake
  • Pain relievers (Both OTC and prescription strength)
  • Steroid injections
  • Physical Therapy
  • Acupuncture for pain management
  • Surgery
  • Peripheral neuropathy

Please contact our office in Boise or Caldwell for a consultation with our pain specialist if you have questions or concerns about Osteoarthritis. You can also fill out our online contact form to request an appointment. Our goal here at The Pain Center is to help you manage your pain with an effective treatment plan so that you can enjoy living your best life.

CONTACT US

Our entire practice revolves around helping patients feel better. Pain is a fact of life, until it interferes with the joys of living. Sandra Thompson, MD and The Pain Center have innovative and comprehensive solutions to all forms of discomfort.

All insurances accepted.

Phone Number:

Boise Phone: (208) 342-9800
Boise Fax: (208) 342-4223
Caldwell Phone: (208) 342-9800
Caldwell Fax: (208) 455-5190

 

Email Us:

admin@thepaincenterinc.com

Address:

Boise: 633 N. 4th St. Boise, ID 83702
Caldwell: 1825 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605

Hours:

Monday: 8am - 5pm
Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: Closed

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