Roughly 33 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), a disabling joint disease that affects an astounding 530 million people worldwide. While OA tends to occur more commonly with older age, even young people can develop the disease, especially if they lead very active lives or they’ve suffered a joint injury.
If you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, you’re probably wondering if there’s a cure for OA. The answer is no — but Zaid Malik, MD, and the team at Superior Pain Relief can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis with custom treatment plans focused on relieving symptoms and protecting your joint health.
Joints form where two or more bones meet. The ends of these bones are protected by cartilage, a fibrous tissue that provides cushioning, absorbs impacts, and helps the joint remain flexible.
OA happens when that cartilage layer is damaged through years of wear and tear, injury, or repetitive activities, particularly high-impact activities that put a lot of excess strain on the joint surfaces.
As the cartilage layer wears down, friction inside the joint increases, leading to inflammation and additional cartilage destruction. Over time, osteoarthritis can cause considerable joint pain, along with swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
As noted, OA typically affects older adults after years of joint wear and tear take their toll. But athletes and other people who use their joints a lot for work or leisure activities can develop the condition, too.
Even seemingly harmless sedentary activities, like prolonged sitting using poor posture, can lead to OA thanks to added joint strain combined with muscle weakness that comes from inactivity.
Although there’s no cure for OA — at least, not yet — treatments can help relieve pain and protect your joints, slowing the advancement of the disease. Like many progressive medical issues, OA responds best when treatment begins as early as possible, which is why seeking treatment at the first sign of symptoms is important.
Many people benefit from over-the-counter medications to help relieve both pain and inflammation. Our team often prescribes these medicines in conjunction with other steps, like physical therapy to strengthen muscles and relieve joint strain, along with lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical activity and weight loss when needed.
Dr. Malik and our team also offer joint injections aimed at delivering relief directly to the joint. These injections help lubricate the joint to help reduce friction while also reducing inflammation and pain.
Injection therapy can also be used to block nerve pathways associated with chronic pain signaling for more long-term relief. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation also blocks nerve signals by deadening the nerves through application of targeted heat energy.
Like pain medicine, doctors often recommend injections and RF ablation in combination with physical therapy and lifestyle changes for optimal long-term benefits.
While there may not be a cure for osteoarthritis, there are steps you can take to reduce its impact on your comfort and your quality of life. To learn how we can help you find relief that works for your needs, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Malik and our team at Superior Pain Relief in Baytown, Willis, and The Woodlands, Texas, today.
