Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that causes a diminishing effect or the destruction of soft cartilage. It is considered the most common form of arthritis. It is These changes also occur below the cartilage and joint.
Osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, and restriction to the movements of affected joints, which limits physical activity and decreases the quality of life. For those who suffer from this horrible disease, getting care from an Emergency Clinic in Maui could mean the difference between living a normal life and suffering miserably.
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis affects mainly the fingers, hips, knees, the feet or the spine. This issue affects each joint in a different way and the indicators are relatively easy to detect. This can be painful and can be caused by excessive joint stress, prolonged immobilization, or small bumps on the fingers.
Diagnostics
A bone density test can be used to diagnose osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. It is a simple test that calculates a patient’s bone density in the hip or spine. The patient’s medical history, X-rays, and a physical exam of the joints make it possible for an Emergency Clinic in Maui to establish a proper diagnosis.
Risk factors
A person’s risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis can be reduced by knowing the patient’s risk factors and by taking the necessary measures to reduce bone loss. A patient who has low bone density is at a higher risk for fractures which are the foremost significance of any osteo issue. Other important risk factors consist of things like advanced age, a history of fracture (mild trauma) tendency to fall, corticosteroid use (i.e. prednisone), and family history of fractures (bone fragility).
Factors contributing to the progression of osteoarthritis include physical inactivity, family history, overweight, excessive joints and joint injuries.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat osteoarthritis, including joint protection (decreased joint effort), regular exercise, medication to relieve pain, weight control and the application of heat and cold compresses.
Serious cases of arthritis can be treated by performing surgery, where the affected joint is replaced by an artificial implant. Interventions to replace the hip and knee joint are often performed. Contact the Wailea Medical Center & Urgent Care for more details. You can also visit them on Facebook.
