We often hear words like arthritis, joint pain but do we have exact and accurate information about it? There is lot of misunderstanding about it in the society even today. Any joint pain we refer to as arthritis is completely wrong. The reality is that arthritis is not a disease, it is a result of our lifestyle. In the past, there was a time where osteoarthritis occurs only after age of fifty. But nowadays, due to hectic lifestyle, arthritis appears at younger to middle age. There are many types of it, among which most common is “Osteoarthritis”.(i.e. age related wear and tear of joint.)
Between two bones of each joint is a layer of cartilage, it’s the cushion between two bones. This layer of cartilage prevents friction between the two bones and facilitates movement of the joint. Over time, the cartilage layer rubs off, causing the bones in the joints to rub against each other which becomes painful swollen n deformed, this condition is referred as “osteoarthritis” in medical science. This condition is more common in the knee joint in Indian population as we follow cross legged sitting and use Indian type of toilets which results in more wear and tear. In today’s fast-paced world, lifestyle changes such as eating and drinking habits, obesity and even some biological factors are responsible for this.
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include knee pain after walking, swelling/inflammation in knee, inability to turn legs, bending legs, and consequently inability to walk. Osteoarthritis causes a lot of pain and slows down the movement of the joints, resulting in reduced quality of life and you won’t be able to carry out daily activities, e.g. Walking, kneeling, exercising, climbing stairs, playing with grandchildren, etc.
The most important factor in the treatment of osteoarthritis is to classify it. With the help of X-ray or MRI, the wear and tear of the joint is usually classified in four stages. Osteoarthritis of stage 1 and 2 is treated with medication and certain exercises. But when medication and exercise doesn’t help and osteoarthritis is in stage 3 or 4, having Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgery is a best option available. In a joint replacement surgery both bones of the joint are given a specific shape for an implant to be fixed which is made of a special metal, a layer of plastic is placed between two implants to compensate the cartilage and to stop the friction of the implant. In this surgery, no muscle or ligament is cut near the joint. This surgery relieves the pain and allows the patient to live a normal life.
At Wockhardt Hospitals, Nashik, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgery is performed in a special and unique way called as “Novo Technique”. Surgery with this method reduces the incision on the skin, reduces the time required for the operation, reduces bleeding, eliminates pain, reduces the need for physiotherapy, and speeds up the recovery. Novo technique almost assures 100% satisfaction to patients after surgery. After implantation, ease of movement of joints increases and quality of life improves. Furthermore, in today’s fast-paced world, we do not have to be dependent on others to take care of ourselves. After this surgery, patients can do all the daily activities, they can climb stairs, sit crossed legged, exercise and even sit on Indian form of commode. In view of all this, I would like to tell everyone not to bear the pain of osteoarthritis, timely treatment can make rest of your life more comfortable, all you need to do is seek medical guidance at the right time.
Dr. Jayesh Sonaje
MBBS, MS (Ortho), Fellowship in Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy (Germany)
Consultant – Joint Replacement & Orthopedic Surgeries
Wockhardt Hospitals Nashik
For Appointment, Call – 02536624444
