Osteoarthritis Specialist

What is osteoarthritis?

Sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it affects over 27 million Americans. The condition eventually erodes the affected joints without treatment.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it’s most common in the:

•Hips

•Neck

•Knees

•Lower back

•Small joints in fingers and toes

Cartilage is the firm material that covers the end of each bone to prevent the bones from rubbing together and wearing away. It provides a smooth surface for the bones to glide over to prevent friction.

When cartilage breaks down, the joints can swell and become inflamed, and eventually, the bones can rub together, grow bone spurs, and even break.

In some cases, parts of bone can break off and float around in the joint, sparking your body’s natural inflammatory response and the production of cytokines and enzymes that inflict further damage to your remaining bones and cartilage.

What are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis in your spine?

Osteoarthritis of the spine may cause stiffness or pain in the neck or back. It may also cause weakness or numbness in the legs or arms if it is severe enough to affect spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. Usually, the back discomfort is relieved when the person is lying down.

• joint tenderness.

• joint stiffness.

• limited range of motion.

• weakness or numbness in the legs or arms, tingling in the legs.

What are the treatments for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Edward K. Nomoto has many years of experience treating patients with osteoarthritis in Southern California. Dr. Nomoto practices at Beverly Hills Spine Surgery and St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, where he provides his patients with premium healthcare from consultation to diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Nomoto frequently delivers lifelong health care for his patients dealing with osteoarthritis to help them strengthen their bones and prevent further damage.

What are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis?

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain, but other symptoms are:

•Stiffness and weakness in the joints

•A crackling sound in the affected joints

•Fatigue from the presence of inflammation

What are the treatments for osteoarthritis?

Some of the treatments for osteoarthritis include:

1. Medications

Most medications reduce pain, but some are anti-inflammatory and also reduce swelling and inflammation. Small dosages of some antidepressants have shown to reduce chronic pain over time.

2. Physical therapy

Physical therapy can decrease inflammation and toxins and restore some mobility in the joints. Other forms of exercise you can do at home are yoga and tai chi.

3. Surgery

Surgery might be an option if osteoarthritis has wholly eroded specific joints. Artificial joints are available, along with other surgical solutions.

Cortisone injections are another treatment method. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital to reduce the stress on your joints.

Once Dr. Nomoto diagnoses osteoarthritis with the imaging testing, blood work, and possibly joint fluid testing, he discusses some of the treatment options available to help relieve your osteoarthritis pain. Call or book an appointment online to learn more.