Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Nepal

Last updated on May 30th, 2022 at 02:30 pm

What is Osteoarthritis?

The most common chronic (long-term) joint condition is Osteoarthritis (OA). Two bones fall together to create a joint. This cartilage breaks down with Osteoarthritis, which allows the bones within the joint to brush together. This can lead to pain, rigidity, and other symptoms. Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are two more common causes of arthritis. 

Prevalence in Nepal

Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly happens in older individuals, but it may occur in adults of any generation. Osteoarthritis is commonly classified as a degenerative joint disorder, degenerative arthritis, and arthritis with wear and tear. 

In Nepal, osteoarthritis is so prevalent that internists and rheumatologists (joint doctors) see numerous patients at their clinic each week. Per this Kathmandu Post article, a million Nepalese suffer from Arthritis.

In general, this particular type of arthritis is clinically diagnosed and usually does not require advanced imaging techniques such as CT scanning or magnetic resonance imaging. 

Who is more at risk of Osteoarthritis in Nepal? 

Osteoarthritis is caused by damage to the joint. This injury will worsen with time, which is why age is the key trigger of osteoarthritis-induced joint harm.

The older you are, the more wear and tear you have on your joints. These may have a malformation of the knees, weight, and bad posture.

Your likelihood of osteoarthritis is raised by other risk factors, such as family background, being a woman, and occupation with repetitive joint movements. 

What causes Osteoarthritis?

The causes of Osteoarthritis are:

Heredity

Several may have a hereditary deficiency in one of the genes, which are responsible for cartilage formation. This induces weak cartilage that contributes to the greater weakening of the joints.

Those who are born with joint defects are prone to experience Osteoarthritis, while people who are born with spine abnormality (such as scoliosis or spine curvature) are likely to develop spine arthritis. 

Obesity

Obesity raises the likelihood of knee, shoulder, and back arthritis. Maintaining ideal weight and losing excess weight helps prevent Osteoarthritis in these areas, and decreases progression rates once Osteoarthritis has been established.  

Injury

The wounds may lead to Osteoarthritis. For example, athletes who have knee-related injuries may have an increased risk of developing knee Osteoarthritis.

Additionally, individuals who have endured a serious back injury are predisposed to spinal Osteoarthritis.

Joint Overuse

Overuse in some joints increases the likelihood of Osteoarthritis. Those with occupations that involve regular knee bending are at elevated risk of developing Knee Osteoarthritis. 

See available Orthopedic Doctors at Clinic One for treatment

Other diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most severe form of arthritis. People with this appear to experience osteoarthritis more frequently. Additionally, certain unusual circumstances, such as iron overload or overgrowth hormone, increase the risk of Osteoarthritis production. 

What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis grow gradually, but worsen with time. Osteoarthritis indications and effects include:

• Pain: During certain movement, the affected joints might hurt
• Stiffness: Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being active
• Tenderness: When light pressure is applied to near your joint, you might feel tenderness
• Loss of flexibility: You are unable to move your joints through its full range of motion 
• Grating sensation: When you use the joint, you experience a grating feeling, cracking or crackling
• Bone Spurs: Around the affected joint area, extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form
• Swelling: This may be caused by swelling of soft tissue around the joint. 

How is Osteoarthritis treated?

Osteoarthritis is usually treated through a combination of exercise, weight reduction (as required), medicine, muscle strengthening, physical therapy activities, hot and cold compresses, drainage of joint fluid, injection of drugs into the joint, and use of supportive equipment such as crutches or canes.

Surgery may be useful where other medical methods have not proven successful in relieving pain.

Your age, work and career, overall health, medical history, physical safety, location of your Osteoarthritis, condition severity, and many other variables influence the type of treatment needed.

Where can you see a doctor for Osteoarthritis in Kathmandu?

You can visit the doctor in case your pain is unbearable or if you observe symptoms of Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a lifelong illness of little remedy, but the future is good of medication.

Book your Orthopedic Appointment at Clinic One Kathmandu:
Call 015400400 | 9863393960
or, Request an Appointment below.

Don’t ignore symptoms of stiffness and chronic joint pain. The more you speak to a doctor, the better you will be able to receive a diagnosis, continue recovery, and boost the quality of your life.

Therefore, if you have any type of joint pain or stiffness that doesn’t go away, make an appointment with your doctor.

Get an Arthritis injection in Kathmandu

If you have a prescription for Arthritis injection to manage your condition, we offer Arthritis injection at Clinic One Kathmandu. Please call us to schedule your visit.

How to prevent Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can be managed by certain preventive measures. The following ways can help you manage the risk factors –

• Support your body: If you’re an athlete or an avid exerciser, make sure that you’re looking after your body. Wear athletic supports and shoes, which reduce knee effects. Make sure to differ the sports you play and give all your muscles a workout, not the same muscle every time. 
• Watch your weight: Maintain your body mass index (BMI) in the appropriate range for your height and gender.
• Get Healthy diet: Eat varieties of healthy and balanced foods. Focus on fresh vegetables and fruits. 
• Get enough rest: Take care of your body. Give it ample rest and sleep.