Surgical joint replacement is always the last line of treatment, used only when other types of treatment, such as medications and physical therapy, are not sufficient to relieve pain and immobility. Fortunately for those who suffer, however, technological advances have made joint replacement a safe and effective option. Candidates for joint replacement surgery typically are troubled by symptoms such as:

• Severe joint pain
• Stiffness
• Limping
• Muscle weakness
• Limited range of motion
• Swelling

When such symptoms become disabling, affecting the patient’s ability to perform ordinary tasks, such as walking or dressing, joint replacement may be required.

Reasons For Joint Pain And Other Symptoms

Most often, the reason for joint pain is either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. While rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder of indeterminate origin, osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that has several known precipitating causes. In OA patients, cartilage, normally a cushion for the joints, wears away, resulting in inflammation. According to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 27 million Americans are affected by the disease.

Precipitating Causes Of OA

There are several possible reasons that one person is more prone to develop OA than another. These include:

Heredity — OA tends to run in families. In some cases, specific genetic joint defects may be responsible for the disorder; in others, there is simply a family history of the disease, perhaps due to a genetic predisposition to abnormal cartilage metabolism.

Sports Injuries and Other Traumatic Injuries — It is well known that athletes can develop osteoarthritis as a result of a traumatic injury to one of their joints. These may occur in adults of any age and include: torn cartilage, dislocated joints, and ligament injuries. Knee traumas, such as strains and tears of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) are especially damaging, resulting in OA in 40 to 50 percent of the patients who suffer them.

Minor Repetitive Injuries — More minor injuries, when they are repetitive, can also result in the development of OA. Such injuries produce constant wear and tear on the joints, causing the cartilage to wear down prematurely. Repetitive injuries may occur because of one’s occupation or hobby, especially if the activity involves heavy physical labor, kneeling, squatting, or climbing for long periods of time.

Other Disease Conditions — individuals who have medical conditions that involve bleeding near a joint, like hemophilia, or blockage of blood flow near a joint, like avascular necrosis, may also develop OA in the affected joint. Having other forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, increases your risk of developing OA, as does having diabetes.

Being Overweight or Obese — Although being overweight isn’t necessarily a cause of OA, it does exacerbate joint problems, especially in the knees, hips, and back.

Hormonal Changes — Because statistics demonstrate that men and women are equally at risk for OA until age 55, at which point more females are affected, it is postulated that the hormonal changes at menopause contribute to the development of the disorder.

If you are experiencing serious or increasing joint pain, you should consult with a board certified orthopedic surgeon to find out if you are suffering from osteoarthritis and, if so, to discuss possible treatment options.

Questions? Call +254 718 994 368 / 733 994 368 or E-mail: wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

PATHWAY INTERNATIONAL: providing Global Healthcare Soltuions

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You have more than 300 bones and joints in your body. If just one of them isn’t functioning properly, you could be in for a world of pain and discomfort. An orthopedic doctor specializes in the health of these bones and joints, and can help diagnose and treat your ailments. Knowing when to contact an orthopedist isn’t always easy, but these five signs are a sure indication to pick up the phone and call.

1. YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY PERFORMING EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES.

Bone and joint discomfort is common in older people, but it should not inhibit your daily activities. If you struggle to perform simple tasks such as climbing stairs or walking your dog, you should see an orthopedist.

2. YOU SUFFER FROM CHRONIC PAIN.

Chronic pain is often defined as any pain lasting longer than 12 weeks. Experiencing a few days of discomfort is one thing, but after several weeks and months of it, you should strongly consider seeking professional help.

3. YOUR RANGE OF MOTION IS BECOMING LIMITED.

Are your joints feeling tighter and tighter as the days go by? A limited range of motion can signify joint disease such as arthritis. It’s important to see a licensed specialist as soon as possible to prevent your condition from getting worse.

4. YOU EXPERIENCE INSTABILITY WHILE WALKING OR STANDING.

Do you feel shaky or wobbly when performing basic functions such as standing, walking, sitting down, or standing up? This is a sure sign that something is wrong with your joints. Your best option is to consult with a medical professional in order to determine the cause of your instability, and work on correcting it.

5. YOU HAVE SUFFERED A SOFT TISSUE INJURY THAT HAS NOT IMPROVED IN 48 HOURS.

Have you recently suffered from a soft tissue injury, such as a sprained ankle, twisted knee, or busted wrist? Use the RICE method to see if the pain and swelling subsides within the two days. If you have not noticed any major improvements after the first 48 hours, call a doctor and ask them for their earliest available appointment.

Questions? Call +254 718 994 368 / 733 994 368 or E-mail wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

Pathway International: providing Global Healthcare Solutions.

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