If you or someone you know suffers from osteoarthritis, get in touch with our pain management doctor in Suffolk County at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island for treatment.  

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is a condition that occurs when the cartilage at the end of a person’s bone begins to wear down. This cartilage is responsible for cushioning your bones and preventing contact with other bones in the area. Once worn down, the cartilage is unable to provide a reliable connective tissue between the bones and it can create immense pain. This condition is most commonly seen in the hands, hips, knees, and spine. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis usually occur slowly and worsen over time. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seeking professional help with a pain management doctor in Suffolk County is recommended:

  • Tenderness – The affected joint may feel very sensitive to contact in and around the area. 
  • Loss of flexibility – Full range of motion in the affected area will be difficult due to the bone to bone contact. 
  • Inflammation – Swelling of the joint that can be seen with the naked eye. 
  • Stiffness – Usually occurs in the morning, the region of the body where the pompous joint is located will feel especially tight.
  • Clicking/cracking of the joint – When the joints pivot/bend and a clicking or cracking sound is heard. 

Causes

Osteoarthritis has long been understood as wear and tear of the joints that happens throughout one’s life from common use and deterioration. Recently, scientists are viewing it as a disease that can be caused by genetics, weight, and overuse. 

Genetics – A variety of genetic traits can make one more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis. One of these traits is a defect in the body’s production of collagen. Collagen is the protein that makes up the cartilage that provides the connective tissue our joints need. This trait abnormality can initiate the development of the disease at as early as age 20. Another trait defect that can cause osteoarthritis is one where the bones do not fit correctly. This defect causes the cartilage that allows our joints to bend to wear out quicker than if the bones were correctly aligned. 

Weight There is a distinct link between being overweight and being at a higher risk of having the disease. When one is overweight, their joints have added pressure to support the bones. Usually, when one is overweight, osteoarthritis is experienced in the knees, hips, and hands. Researchers have indicated that osteoarthritis is very common in the hands of overweight individuals. This is because fat tissue produces inflammatory tissue that affects the joints and how they are supposed to function.

Overuse – Blue-collar workers (electricians, ironworkers, carpenters, etc.) are likely to get osteoarthritis because they are constantly bending, grabbing, and twisting their bodies. The joints are put under high duress in these professions and can promote the condition to rapidly worsen if overuse continues. If you are in this profession and are experiencing these pains in your joints, contact a pain management doctor in Suffolk County at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island. 

Pain Management Doctor in Suffolk County

At Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island, we believe that understanding your disease is the first step to managing the symptoms. One of our core practices is educating our patients on their condition so that they are aware of how their recovery goals will be achieved. With a dedicated staff and a clear vision of rehabilitation practices, we are the right place to recover and alleviate your osteoarthritis pain. With our assistance, we hope to empower you to fight this disease head-on and hopefully in the long term see life-changing results. If you are thinking about investing in our great care, give us a call at 631-300-0797 to get in touch with our pain management doctor in Suffolk County. We look forward to brightening your future!