Abu Dhabi, UAE - Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common types of arthritis, affecting the joints, especially the knee and hip. This condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
It often affects older adults but can also occur in younger people due to injury or other factors, requiring the assistance of a knee replacement surgeon in Abu Dhabi. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort in your knee or hip, understanding how to manage osteoarthritis can help you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Here, let’s walk through the various treatment options available for managing osteoarthritis in the knee and hip.
Understanding Osteoarthritis Condition
Osteoarthritis develops when the cushioning cartilage at the ends of bones in the knee and hip gradually deteriorates. As the cartilage thins, it becomes less effective at absorbing shock, allowing the bones to rub together, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, the condition may progress, restricting movement and making daily activities more challenging.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in the Knee and Hip
Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis, ranging from mild to severe. It often worsens with activity or after extended periods of rest.
Stiffness: Movement becomes difficult, especially after periods of inactivity, such as in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Swelling: Fluid may accumulate in the joint, causing it to swell.
Limited Range of Motion: The knee or hip may become stiff, making it hard to bend or move the joint properly.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis in the Knee and Hip
a) Lifestyle Changes
Exercise: While it might sound counterintuitive, exercise is crucial in managing osteoarthritis. Strengthening the muscles around the knee and hip can help support the joints and reduce stress. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, or walking, can improve flexibility and help reduce pain.
Weight Management: Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee and hip joints, making osteoarthritis symptoms worse. Losing weight can help relieve pressure on the joints, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Joint Protection: Using proper techniques when standing, walking, or lifting can help reduce strain on the knees and hips. A physical therapist at the best hospital in Abu Dhabi can teach you how to move safely to protect your joints.
b) Medications
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and swelling. Always consult your Orthopedic Doctor in Abu Dhabi before starting any medication to ensure it's safe for you.
Topical Treatments: Creams and gels that contain pain-relieving ingredients can be applied directly to the skin over the affected area for relief.
Injections: If pain is severe, injections may be recommended at the best hospital in Khalifa City to help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
c) Physical Therapy
Therapy may include strengthening exercises for the muscles around the joint, stretches to improve flexibility, and techniques to improve joint function.
Physical therapy can also help you learn how to move more efficiently, which can reduce pain and improve mobility.
d) Surgery
If conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical recommendations from knee surgeons in Abu Dhabi may be necessary.
Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera into the joint to remove damaged tissue or smooth rough areas of cartilage.
Osteotomy: In this knee surgery procedure, the bones are reshaped to reduce stress on the joint.
Joint Replacement: In advanced cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary, where the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one. Hip and knee replacements are common for severe osteoarthritis.
Tarmeem Orthopedic & Spine Specialty Hospital in Abu Dhabi offers comprehensive care for managing osteoarthritis in the knee and hip.
With a team of experienced orthopedic specialists and knee surgeons, our hospital in Khalifa City provides personalized treatment plans, including physical therapy, medication management, and advanced surgical options like joint replacement.
Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
About Tarmeem
Tarmeem Orthopedic and Spine Specialty Hospital in Abu Dhabi features a distinguished team specializing in orthopedics. Emphasizing patient-centric care, Tarmeem provides personalized treatment guided by local and international medical teams, patient coordinators, and nurse navigators. As a regional leader in orthopedics, centrally located in Abu Dhabi, Tarmeem is committed to offering expertise, cutting-edge practices, and prioritizing the well-being of its patients.