Osteoarthritis New Jersey
If you have osteoarthritis in New Jersey, you may want to see a healthcare professional. The condition can be quite painful and make it difficult to perform everyday activities. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about osteoarthritis.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis refers to a type of arthritis that causes cartilage at the end of the bones to wear down. It can affect many joints, including the knee, hips and spine. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, reduced flexibility, stiffness and swelling.
Who Is Affected By Arthritis?
Adults of all ages can develop arthritis. However, it is more common among senior citizens.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
The direct cause of osteoarthritis isn’t exactly clear, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. Osteoarthritis is more common among the elderly, overweight people, those with previous joint injuries and people with a genetic predisposition of the disease.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Osteoarthritis?
While there is not a cure yet for osteoarthritis, there are several treatment options that can help you manage the condition. Medications, for example, can help alleviate the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Your doctor may also recommend attending physical therapy. A licensed therapist can teach you different exercises to strengthen the affected joint, ultimately increasing flexibility and relieving pain.
If your osteoarthritis is more severe and doesn’t respond to typical treatments, joint replacement surgery may be a good option. During the procedure, a surgeon will remove the damaged joint and replace it with an artificial one.
How Can I Manage Osteoarthritis at Home?
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to make your osteoarthritis in New Jersey more manageable. For one thing, you can participate in low-impact exercises, like swimming and walking, to strengthen your joints and increase flexibility. Although physical activity might not sound appealing when you have osteoarthritis, it can help your symptoms tremendously. Applying heat to the joint may also help relieve pain.
If you are currently overweight, losing several pounds can help improve your arthritis symptoms. Excess weight puts a lot of stress on your joints, increasing your pain. If you lose weight through diet and exercise, you may be surprised at how much better you feel.
It may also be helpful to utilize assistive devices, like canes and walkers, to alleviate stress from your joints.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis in New Jersey, see a specialist promptly.