Osteoarthritis

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are often used interchangeably but are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the nuances of each helps you better manage your joint health.Arthritis, a comprehensive term, encompasses a spectrum of conditions characterized by inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, among others. The common denominator among these inflammatory conditions is joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis and typically develops with age or as a result of joint injury or obesity. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain. Osteoarthritis commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.Distinguishing between arthritis and osteoarthritis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. While arthritis encompasses a broad spectrum of joint disorders, osteoarthritis specifically refers to the degenerative wear-and-tear of cartilage.Treatment approaches for arthritis and osteoarthritis vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Non-surgical interventions such as lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medications, and injections may provide relief for mild to moderate cases. However, in severe or advanced osteoarthritis cases where conservative measures fail to alleviate symptoms, surgical options like joint replacement surgery may be considered to restore mobility and quality of life.At OrthoConnecticut, our team of orthopedic specialists is dedicated to diagnosing and treating arthritis and osteoarthritis with personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Whether you’re experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, we’re here to help you find relief and regain function.If you’re struggling with joint pain or suspect you may have arthritis or osteoarthritis, don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthopedic providers to explore your treatment options and take

Osteoarthritis(OA) is a degenerative joint disease that results from the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones and allows them to move smoothly against each other. As the cartilage wears down, bones may rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and other symptoms.

Nine tips to help with Osteoarthritis If you’re middle-aged or older, it’s likely you have some Osteoarthritis in your hands, fingers, hips, knees, feet or spine. The most common form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between joints and bone gradually wears away causing joint swelling, pain, stiffness, deformity, and reduced range of motion. Most often X-rays are used to diagnose and assess the amount of joint loss, or other issues that can occur like thinning bone, reduced joint space, joint fluid, or bone spurs. If you have osteoarthritis, here are some options your Orthopedist might recommend. If you’re in pain, seek treatment and get help! Nonsurgical treatment for joint mobility, strength and pain relief can include: OrthoConnecticut recommends you consult your orthopedist surgeon for advice on surgical options, which might include: OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to diagnose and advise you on the best ways to treat your Osteoarthritis. Contact us today for an appointment and #getmovingCT.

By Lisa M. Cyr, OTD, OTR/L, CHT – Occupational Therapist / Hand Therapist, OrthoConnecticut OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) is one of the most common joint disorders and is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. It affects as many as 12% of the American population over 25. One in 4 women and at least 1 in 12 men will suffer from the pain and loss of function caused by osteoarthritis (OA) of the carpometacarpal joint (CMC) of the thumb during their lifetimes. When the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the thumb wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing friction and damage to the bones and the CMC joint. This can cause severe pain, swelling, and decreased strength and range of motion, making it difficult to do simple daily tasks. This may lead to loss of function, depression and decreased quality of life, causing many people to ultimately seek surgical intervention for relief. There are many potential causes for arthritis at the base of the thumb. Since the thumb is involved in at least 40% – 50% of every task that we do with our hands, it is subjected to many forces and strains throughout each day. Each time we pinch something between the fingertip and thumb tip, there is up to 25 times more force at the CMC joint than at the tip! Straining to open a new jar, holding a pen tightly when writing, buttoning tight buttons, pulling tight weeds, twisting a key in a stiff lock, trying to pull open a new bag of cereal or chips, holding pliers or other tools or overly large cups are all examples of ways we repeatedly strain our thumbs each day. Texting, with its repeated thumb motion, can irritate an already inflamed CMC