Pain-Free Joint: Myth or Reality?
Mobility or Ambulation is an integral part of our lifestyle. Painful joints can restrict our activities causing physical and social debility hence affecting our well-being. In order to preserve our joints one has to understand the fundamentals of joint structure and function.
A joint is formed by apposition of cartilagenous surface of 2 or more bones with an intermediary cushion called as the synovium. The synovial fluid is a lubricant responsible for free and painless movement of joints
When any of these components degenerate due to age, increased weight, trauma, or any systemic diseases like hypothyroidism or any autoimmune condition, the joints get inflamed. This results in pain and swelling of the joints thus restricting mobility.
Myth No. 1: There is no cure for arthritis.
Reality: there are two broad categories of arthritis- Autoimmune and Degenerative.Autoimmune Arthritis can be due to Rheumatoid factor, SLE or Psoriasis. Degenerative arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis due to age related processes and mechanical degeneration of joints due to increased weight or trauma. Oral Calcium , Vitamin D , anti-inflammatory medication help relieve pain and swelling to some extent. Definitive therapy needs further investigation such as X ray, bone CT or MRI, certain blood investigations followed by specific medications.
Myth No. 2: You should not exercise if you have arthritis.
Reality. Guided physiotherapy can help alleviate joint pains along with medical therapy.
Myth No. 3: Arthritis is an old age disease.
Reality: Certain types of arthritis affects the young as well old although the proportion of old being affected is comparatively higher.
Myth No. 4: The only therapy is to have the dysfunctional joint surgically removed.
Reality: Depending upon the stage of joint disease, one can go for intra articular joint injections and braces in early degenerative stages. In advanced cases, one can go for joint replacement if systemic parameters are normal.
Myth No. 5: Dietary changes can do wonders.
Reality: Diet rich in calcium can preserve health of bones and joints to some extent but there ara other forces at work such Weight gain, mechanical damage, hormone related osteoporotic changes which undermine the dietary supplementation. This is when you would need medical help for thorough assessment and treatment institution.