Over 32.5 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis.1 Osteoarthritis is characterized by cartilage breakdown within joints and changes in bone structure. As a result, the bones under the cartilage rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of joint motion.
The prevalence of osteoarthritis is higher among older people, but it can also affect people of any age. While there is no cure for arthritis, effective treatments can help people live a better quality of life.
Diet & Nutrition: You shouldn't ignore the effect of proper diet and nutrition on osteoarthritis. Fruits rich in polyphenols like anthocyanins and quercetin, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent inflammation. Avoid foods that trigger inflammation like fried and processed foods containing white flour, rice or potatoes. Consume more fruits and vegetables, and cook with olive oil. Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric will also help manage inflammation.
Exercise & Physical Therapy:. Physical therapists will provide exercises to help you preserve the strength and functionality of your joints. Frequent low intensity exercise will help build strength and flexibility to maintain a healthy BMI and improve overall health.
Platelet Rich Plasma ( PRP): PRP has anti-inflammatory properties.PRP works by resetting the chemical milieu of the joint environment, thus strategically reducing inflammation. Injecting PRP growth factors from your blood into an injured area is believed to aid in healing by causing new cells to form.2
Hyaluronic Injections: These Hyaluronan injections keep joints moving and reduce pain, primarily when other treatments haven't worked. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the joints. Hyaluronic acid injections help joints to function correctly by acting as a lubricant and shock absorber.
Stem Cells: The unique property of stem cells is that they can divide and duplicate themselves and develop into different types of cells. Researchers hypothesize that stem cells near damaged cartilage can develop into new healthy cartilage.3
Lipogems: Lipogems harvest your own powerful fat with a minimally invasive, natural process that uses a local anesthetic. The fat provides cushioning and support by cleaning the fat, rinsing it with saline, resizing it, and injecting it into injured or damaged areas.
Today, advanced medical technology offers a myriad of non surgical solutions for arthritis pain. Making necessary lifestyle changes can also help reduce and manage symptoms of arthritis. The New Jersey Orthopedic Institute has provided world-class orthopedic care since 1982, using cutting-edge treatments for better patient outcomes.
AUTHOR: Michael K Shindle, MD is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and hip and knee joint replacement surgery in Wayne, New Jersey. Dr. Shindle has experience as a Team Physician for the National Hockey League, New Jersey Devils, Orthopedic Consultant for the National Football League, New York Giants, Team Physician for the Major League Soccer, New York Red Bulls, Team Physician for USA Hockey, Team Physician for US Men’s Soccer, Team Physician for Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Team Physician for Madison High School.
