X-rays
The first step to diagnosing osteoarthritis is to get an x-ray of the affected joint. The results of an x-ray will allow a physician to determine the severity of the disease and how treatment will affect your symptoms. If your x-rays are inconclusive, your doctor may order a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI). MRIs allow your doctor to see the soft tissue and bone surrounding the affected joint and can help guide treatment. However, they are also more expensive than x-rays and may not be necessary in every case.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease of the knee. It can affect any synovial joints, but the most common are the knees, hips, and hands. X-rays can help identify the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as bone spurs and sclerosis.
If your symptoms are severe and interfere with your daily activities, your doctor may suggest surgery. This procedure can help eliminate the problem joint or reduce pain to a manageable level. Joint fusion is a standard treatment for osteoarthritis, and it eliminates the arthritic surface and motion. It can also correct deformities and relieve pain.
MRI
A knee MRI may be used to investigate symptoms of osteoarthritis. An MRI helps identify bone and cartilage abnormalities in the knee joint and confirm other diagnoses. A knee MRI may also help to distinguish painful knees from nonpainful ones because some structural abnormalities on radiographs are associated with pain. However, there are some limitations to using an MRI to diagnose osteoarthritis.
Currently, the diagnosis of osteoarthritis is done through clinical and radiographic examinations. However, recent research has highlighted the potential value of MRI in the early diagnosis of OA. Therefore, researchers have conducted systematic literature searches to identify studies using MRI as a diagnostic tool for osteoarthritis. The results were then compared to the results of clinical examination and other diagnostic tools to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MRI in detecting osteoarthritis.
MRI can also detect bone marrow lesions (BMLs), easily identifiable as areas of increased edema-like signal in the subchondral bone. Increasing BMLs are associated with increased knee pain while decreasing BMLs are associated with decreased knee pain. Furthermore, a systematic review of 22 articles concluded that BMLs and synovitis/effusion might be the causes of knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
Treatments
Treatments for osteoarthritis vary greatly and depend on your symptoms, age, and type of arthritis. The goal of treatment is to minimize pain and inflammation and help your joints function correctly. Some treatments involve long-term medications, short-term therapies, or a combination.
Physical therapy and regular daily activities can also help. These therapies can be done at home and include stretches and other movements. Acupuncture may also help alleviate osteoarthritis pain. These treatments are generally safe and do not require a prescription. It would help if you discussed your treatment options with your physician to minimize risks and maximize benefits. Most treatments for osteoarthritis do not require surgery or medication, but they may be necessary in some cases.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis may include pain in the knee or hip joints. You may also experience swelling and tenderness in your fingers or ankles. In severe cases, your pain may interfere with daily activities.
Complications
Osteoarthritis is a painful disease resulting from the joint’s wear and tear. This causes the breakdown of the protective cartilage, leading to pain. This disease develops slowly and can limit daily activities. It can also be sporadic, with intermittent flare-ups. Therefore, getting treatment as early as possible is essential to avoid complications.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects many different joints. The cartilage is worn down and erodes, causing the bones to rub against each other. The disease can develop in any joint but is most common in older people. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, you can reduce the pain and discomfort by getting regular exercise.
Complications of osteoarthritis include stomach bleeding, degeneration of the cartilage, and joint damage. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, osteoarthritis can be controlled and the pain reduced. Treatment can even slow the progression of the disease.
