How Arthritis Affects Your Joints and When to Consider Surgery

The number of arthritis patients has been increasing in Pune as the city continues to grow and the lives of the people become more hectic. Joint pain and loss of mobility experienced by patients of all ages can adversely affect their health and quality of life. 

So, it is important to diagnose arthritis at the earliest possible stage at the best joint replacement hospital in Pune to limit disease progression and remain active in life. The following blog explains what arthritis does to your joints, the symptoms that suggest arthritis is progressing, and when surgery might be needed.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints and results in joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility. With more than 100 kinds of arthritis, some of the common ones are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Gout
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Arthritis can develop gradually over time due to aging or suddenly due to autoimmune diseases, trauma or infection. Early detection is key to regulating the progression of the disease. Making some lifestyle modifications and adding physical therapy may help reduce your symptoms and help you remain active. 

How does arthritis affect your joints?

• Cartilage Destruction

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down. Without this cushion the bones begin to rub against each other and this causes soreness, swelling and loss of flexibility. Early identification and treatment of joint problems at Ranka Hospital allows patients to preserve healthy joints before major harm occurs.

• Joint inflammation

Autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis occur when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint. This chronic inflammation damages the surrounding tissues, ligaments and cartilage. The best orthopaedic specialist in Pune helps patients to consult for personalised treatment programs that protect joint function and limit the progression of their ailment.

• Bone Fracture

As arthritis advances, you may develop bone deformities, erosion and bone spurs (osteophytes). These changes severely restrict joint motion and may eventually require surgical repair.

• Weakness of the Muscles

Pain can be a deterrent to movement and this eventually leads to the weakening of the muscles around the joint. Reduced muscle power creates a vicious circle of increased pain and impairment when already weakened joints are put under further strain. 

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms may differ according to the type of the disorder, but they typically involve:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness in the morning
• Joint swelling
• Decreased mobility
• Cracking or grinding sounds
• Redness
• Trouble walking and climbing stairs
• Fatigue (in inflammatory arthritis)

Seeking prompt medical attention is very important.

Joints Most Commonly Affected

Arthritis mostly affects any joint, but these are the ones that are most often affected:

• Knee

The knee is one of the major weight-bearing joints of the body, and an obvious target for cartilage deterioration from arthritis. For patients with severe knee arthritis who are not getting relief from conservative treatment, choosing the best knee replacement surgeon in Pune can offer sophisticated surgical options.

• Hips

The symptoms of hip arthritis can include groin pain, difficulty walking, and limited range of motion. Simple daily actions such as climbing stairs or standing up from chairs become progressively more difficult.

• Shoulders

Arthritis of the shoulder may limit arm motion. It becomes uncomfortable to raise, dress and reach overhead.

• Hands and Fingers

Arthritis in tiny joints can also lead to deformities, diminished grip strength and trouble with everyday tasks such as writing or opening jars.

• Spine

Arthritis of the spine can cause ongoing back pain and stiffness and can compress nerves, causing numbness in the arms or legs. 

When Should You Consider Surgery? 

If there is arthritis related pain along with joint stiffness and restricted movement despite taking medications, undergoing physical therapy, and making lifestyle modifications, surgery might be considered. When performing daily activities such as walking, going up stairs, or even sleeping becomes challenging joint replacement surgery could be a permanent solution. 

Visiting an expert orthopaedic surgeon at the best orthopaedic hospital in Pune would help you decide if surgery is the best option.

Recovery After Surgery

An organised rehabilitation strategy is the key to successful recovery.

Typical recovery involves

• Early ambulation
• Physiotherapy guidance
• Pain control
• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Follow-up visits

Most patients are back to normal daily activities within a few weeks. Full recovery can take several months depending on the surgery. The best ortho hospital in Pune will have trained rehabilitation professionals who will assist the patients on the road to recovery. 

Bottom Line

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help you lead an active and independent life. If your symptoms are interfering with your normal activities, seek medical consultation without delay.

Ranka Hospital has the best orthopaedic doctors for proper diagnosis, treatment, and surgery for all kinds of orthopaedic conditions treated in Pune. Schedule an appointment today and give yourself a healthy start.