Osteoarthritis Specialist Brisbane Northside

With Brisbane’s increasing aging population, osteoarthritis specialists are being sought by the middle-aged and elderly people. It is a disease of the joints, including the cartilage, ligaments, and bones.
Osteoarthritis frequently occurs in the joints, spine, hips, knees, and toes and a top cause of disability for the elders.

There is no cure for the disease but the progression can be slowed down by treatments.

 

What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

• The symptoms of osteoarthritis develop slowly but get painful over time.
• Pain of joints during or after moving
• Tenderness on the joints, especially when pressure is applied
• Stiffness of joints after a period of inactivity (i.e. waking up in the morning)
• Inability to move joints in a full range of motion
• Grinding sound or sensation during movement of joints
• Bone spurs that feel like lumps that form around the affected joint.

 

How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Rheumatologists are the experts in identifying diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. Patients afflicted with arthritis often seek their care. They usually determine the presence of osteoarthritis given the symptoms and will be verified through imaging tests and X-rays. This will also provide the rheumatologists the extent of condition, as well as ruling out of other possible joint problems.

 

What are the Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis?

• Old age. The risk increases as a person gets older.
• Being female. The disease is more common in females than males, although the reason remains to be still unclear.
• Obesity. The heavier the person, the greater the risk for osteoarthritis. Having a heavy weight adds stress to the joints, thus causing inflammation.
• Previous injuries. If an individual had a history of joint injuries, it is highly likely that osteoarthritis can occur in old age.
• Genetics. Having a family history of osteoarthritis can put an individual at a greater risk of having the disease.
• Bone deformities. Some bone deformities can cause a faulty cartilage, hence increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

 

What are the Available Treatments for Osteoarthritis?

• Weight loss. This lessens the stress put on the knee joints, hips, and lower back.
• Exercise. Having physical activities can also strengthen muscles, decrease joint pain and stiffness, and lower chances of disability.
• Drugs. Topical and oral drugs that can be recommended to decrease the pains experienced by patients. These medicines are capsaicin cream, lidocaine, and diclofenac gel.
  Surgery. This is only recommended for severe cases and for those who have joint damage, which affects mobility.
• Supplement. The most recommended vitamins include calcium, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  The doctors can recommend the best treatment plan once the seriousness of the illness has been assessed. Patients who are taking drugs to address osteoarthritis and would like to explore the use of supplements should first consult with their doctors to ensure that no drug interactions will take place.

 

At Ubuntu Medical, we also help treat Lower Back Pain. We also offer other services. For a full list, click HERE.