Osteoarthritis — diagnosis and treatment

1/6 What is it?

Osteoarthritis is a thinning of the cartilage covering the joint surfaces, together with a change in the structure of the joint.

As the cartilage thins, the bones come closer together. That causes pain and restricted movement.

It is seen most often in the knee, the finger joints, the hip and the spine.

It is not an autoimmune disease. Even so, the joint can become intermittently inflamed and collect fluid.

2/6 Who is it for?

Middle-aged and older people with persistent pain in the knees, hips or hands.

People whose X-ray report says osteoarthritis or wear, and who do not know what to do next.

People carrying extra weight, with a past joint injury, or with a history of heavy physical work.

People who get insufficient relief from painkilling tablets, or who cannot take them long-term.

People developing nodes on the end joints of the fingers — Heberden's nodes.

3/6 When to seek care

• Your knee hurts going down stairs or on a long walk
• Your joint is stiff in the morning, but that stiffness lasts less than half an hour
• Standing up after sitting is difficult, and the first steps are hard
• You feel grinding or clicking in the joint
• Firm nodes have formed on the end joints of your fingers
• Your knee swells from time to time and collects fluid

If a joint suddenly becomes swollen, warm and red, that is not typical of osteoarthritis. Other causes should be looked for.

4/6 Why it matters

Osteoarthritis is not life-threatening, but it can seriously restrict daily life.

Pain reduces movement, and that weakens the muscle. A weaker muscle protects the joint less, and the pain grows.

The right treatment can break that cycle. The aim is to manage the pain and keep the joint moving.

Not every stage of osteoarthritis is treated the same way. Establishing the stage determines the choice.

5/6 How it is done

1. Examination. The joint's range of movement, any swelling and the state of the muscles are assessed.
2. Imaging. An X-ray shows narrowing of the joint space and other changes.
3. Distinguishing. Osteoarthritis is separated from inflammatory arthritis and gout. Blood tests are requested where needed.
4. Treatment plan. It starts with weight management, suitable exercise and pain control.
5. A procedure where needed. If there is fluid in the joint it is drawn off; where indicated, an intra-articular injection, hyaluronic acid or PRP may be offered.

At a very advanced stage, surgery — joint replacement — may be discussed. That decision is made together with an orthopaedic surgeon.

No method returns worn cartilage to its former state. The expected benefit is less pain and better function.

6/6 Where it is done

Examination and procedures are carried out in Baku, at StarLab Clinic.

Address: 20 Yanvar str. 88, 5th microdistrict, Baku, opposite the Qızıltac wedding hall.

Contact: +994 55 550 55 69.

No. Nothing of the sort collects in the joint. It is an inaccurate everyday name for what is really the wearing of cartilage.

Many people report that symptoms increase when the weather changes. It does not mean the disease has worsened and does not usually call for a change of treatment.

Moderate walking is generally beneficial and strengthens the muscles around the joint. What to avoid is excessive loading and long descents of stairs, which increase pain.

There is no method that halts the wear completely. Weight control, muscle strengthening and using the joint sensibly can all have a positive effect on its course.