Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Hip
What is Degenerative Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, also referred to as OA, is a common condition that can affect any joint. It most commonly affects the knees and hips which are large, weight bearing joints.
The cartilage protects the surface of your joints and when that cartilage wears down or gets damaged, it causes friction and prevents the joint from moving smoothly. This results in the bones rubbing together, sometimes referred to as your joint being “bone on bone”. This is called Osteoarthritis (OA). Often one problem joint leads to aggravation of the other. Limping or an antalgic gait leads to undue stress on both joints.
Signs of Degenerative Osteoarthritis
Many patients report that the first sign of knee and hip OA is often pain and stiffness. Just like hip trouble, the knee usually aches more in the morning. You may find that your knee locks or buckles when you walk. As the cartilage continues to wear away, your joints may get swollen and painful. In severe cases, bone rubs directly against bone, which makes it hurt a lot when you walk or attempt to walk upstairs. Even at this point, though, you can still take steps to slow the damage.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
AGE INJURY OVERUSE OBESITY GENETICS GENDER ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Can You Slow Down The Progression of Osteoarthritis?
There is no cure for Osteoarthritis. However, there are many ways that you can slow down the progression.
- Self Care: Maintain a healthy weight, control your blood sugar, maintain your range of motion and maintain a healthy diet.
- Weight Loss: Excess weight puts added stress on joints, particularly knees and hips, causing pain and worsening arthritis damage. “Being just 10 pounds overweight increases the force on your knees by 50 pounds.
- Regenerative Therapy: Stem Cell and or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections.
Regenerative Therapy
Stem cell therapy is one of the solutions that provide long term results for knee and hip arthritis and knee and hip pain. However, unlike the other alternatives, like surgery, stem cell therapy is non invasive. There is no “down time”. After having the procedure, patients are able to return to their normal daily activities. An expert such as Dennis Lox, M.D can evaluate you and determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Consult With An Expert
Dennis Lox, M.D has an office in Clearwater, Florida and also in Beverly Hills, California. Contact his office to schedule a consultation today.
Florida 727-462-5582
California 310-975-7033
