MANAGING OSTEOARTHRITIS

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a problem usually affecting people over 50 years of age. It is the most common form of arthritis, and is caused by a breakdown in the joint repair process.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary between individuals and different joints. Pain and stiffness of the joints are the most common symptoms. Patients also often have problem moving affected joints. It usually affects the hand, knee, hips or spine.

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

   •  Mostly affects both knees

   •  Most painful when walking, especially climbing stairs

   •  May hear a soft, grating sound during movement of affected joints

   •  Knees may give way sometimes, or lock into a position that
      prevents the legs from straightening

Symptoms of hips osteoarthritis
   •  Commonly pain in the hip or knee that worsens when walking

   •  May have difficulties wearing shoes and socks, or getting in and out
      of cars

Symptoms of hands osteoarthritis

   •  The thumb, middle joint of the fingers, and the joint closest to the fingertips are the main affected areas.

   •  Fingers may be stiff, painful and swollen, and joints may develop bumps. Pain may decrease over time.

   •  Affected joint may cause the finger to bend slightly

   •  Painful cysts may occur on the back of fingers

   •  A bump may develop at the thumb base, causing pain and affecting manual tasks such as writing and turning keys.

How can I relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis?

   •  Take painkillers

   •  Apply heat and cold packs

   •   Wear suitable or special footwear to relieve joint pressure

   •   Use canes, splints, or other items to take stress off the joint

   •  Consume glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oil supplements

   •   Use topical pain-relief rub (methyl salicylate/ menthol/camphor/eucalyptus oil)

   •  Opt for intra-articular injections or surgery for severe conditions

   •   Exercise regularly but avoid weight-bearing exercise. Instead you can opt for exercises like swimming, walking and cycling, depending on your condition.

   •   Have sufficient rest

Can I prevent osteoarthritis?

Preventive measures can include:

   •  Weight loss for obese/overweight patient

   •   Regular non weight-bearing exercises to improve muscle strength

MANAGING OSTEOPOROSIS (LOW BONE MASS DENSITY)

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition when your bones are less able to replace itself and are weakened, thus increasing their chances of breaking. It is a silent disease and you may not know it until you have suffered a fracture or done a BMD (bone mineral density) test. Coughing or sneezing can lead to rib fracture or collapse of spinal bones in severe cases.