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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down, resulting in bones in the joints rubbing together and causing pain. The cartilage is a protective surface that protects the joint and acts as a shock absorber. Without it, the ligaments and tendons within the joint stretch, causing the patient a lot of pain. As the condition gets worse, it may cause limitations in or even a total loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis is a condition commonly associated with aging. It usually affects middle-aged and elderly people, with a tendency to affect women more than men. It can develop in any joint in the body; however, it is mostly known to affect weight-bearing joints, i.e. hips, knees and ankles. The pain caused by osteoarthritis varies from mild to severe, depending on the case. In this article, we will share 3 things you should know about OA (Osteoarthritis) pain, as well as discuss preventive strategies and possible treatment options.
The symptoms of OA can include stiffness, pain, and/or soreness in the joint, especially during movement. Sometimes, the patient can also observe bony enlargements in the area of the affected joint. The pain may appear as a result of overuse (a lot of walking, exercise, etc.) or after a period of inactivity (e.g. sitting at a desk for a few hours, after a long flight, etc.).
OA is associated with a few risk factors, with age being the main one. As mentioned before, it usually affects middle-aged and older people. However, it is worth mentioning that it is not a direct result of aging; therefore, taking proper preventive measures can significantly decrease the risk of developing OA later in life. Other causes include obesity, unhealthy diet, history of injury, heredity (inborn proneness), and joint overuse (typical for professional athletes, but not most of us).
Speaking of diet, according to Dr. Manny Alvarez’s latest article, there are certain foods that can actually reduce the risk of osteoarthritis pain. He mentions products with anti-inflammatory properties, such as salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, olive oil, ginger, and turmeric, that can prevent inflammation, which is said to cause the joints to deteriorate. To read the full article, click here: Foods to fight osteoarthritis pain.
As mentioned before, overusing a joint can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Does it mean that running can actually be a risk factors, as it puts a lot burden on the knees and feet? Well, if you are a runner, you don’t need to worry - according to a study conducted by Matt Seeley, PhD (Brigham Young University), running not only doesn’t cause osteoarthritis, it can actually protect you from degenerative diseases, including osteoarthritis.
Dr. Seeley writes that “the notion of running having a bad influence on the knees is a myth. During his study, he analyzed samples of fluid taken from the knee joints of healthy men and women, ages 18 to 35, both before and after a 30-minute run. Specifically, they measured the synovial fluid for two proteins (called GM-CSF and IL-15) that indicate the presence of harmful inflammation. They found that levels of both proteins went down after 30 minutes of running, suggesting a decrease in overall inflammation in the joint. To rule out other factors that may have contributed to the drop, the researchers also performed a “control” test, taking fluid samples before and after a 30-minute seated rest. During that test, protein levels did not change between samples1”.
If you suffer from OA pain, you know how much influence it has on your everyday life. It can make the simplest of activities a big challenge - walking, driving, even getting out of bed in the morning. But the good news is, even though there is no medicine to cure OA completely, there are ways to deal with its painful repercussions. In our Pain Clinic in Hollywood (as well as our Pain Clinic in Aventura), we provide a wide range of services aimed at bringing relief to patients suffering from hip, leg, and knee pain, including:
Genicular Nerve Ablation (RF Neurotomy)
Joint Injections
PRP Therapy for Chronic Knee Pain
PRP Therapy for Hip Arthritis
PRP Therapy for Knee Arthritis
and more!
If you’re experiencing pain in your joints and are looking for a Pain Clinic in Hollywood or Aventura, the good news is that you don’t have to look any further! Our pain management doctors, Dr. Luis Escobar & Dr. Lucien Alexandre, will provide you with a personalized treatment suitable for you. We can assure you that our well-trained medical staff is ready to give you the care that you need and deserve. Apart from our Hollywood location, you can also schedule an appointment at our Pain Clinic in Aventura. Use the contact form or give us a call to schedule your appointment!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
