Osteoarthritis Treatment in India: When is Surgery Needed?
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders, and millions of people around the world suffer from it. Osteoarthritis is common among aging populations. Osteoarthritis treatment is on the rise in India, considering the lifestyle changes, obesity, and longevity of people.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the protective cartilages, which act as a buffer for bones, gradually wear off, leading to:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Reduced mobility
Osteoarthritis affects:
In India, osteoarthritis is now a common condition, even in young people, due to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
Why is Osteoarthritis Treatment Important?
The consequences of not treating osteoarthritis can cause:
- Permanent damage to joints
- Severe disability
- Decreased quality of life
On the other hand, the benefits of treating osteoarthritis can help
- Halt the progress of the condition
- Reduce pain
- Prevent surgery
But in severe cases of osteoarthritis, surgery is required to help regain mobility and and relieve pain.
Types / Stages of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis develops through a series of stages:
. Mild Stage
- Some pain after exercise
- No significant damage to the joint
Moderate Stage
- More pain and stiffness
- The joint starts to deteriorate
Severe Stage
- Constant pain
- Limited movement
- Inflammation of the joint
End-Stage Osteoarthritis
- Bone on bone
- Severe deformity
- Surgery is required
Step-by-Step Treatment Timeline
Stage 1: Initial Management (0-3 Months)
- Pain medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Physiotherapy
Stage 2: Advanced Non-Surgical Care (3-12 Months)
- Steroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- Bracing
Stage 3: Surgical Evaluation (After 6-12 Months)
- If there is no improvement
- Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI
Stage 4: Surgery & Recovery
- Surgery: 1-3 hours
- Hospital stay: 3–7 days
- Recovery: 6 weeks to 6 months
Symptoms / Signs
Look out for the following signs which show the osteoarthritis is getting worse:
- Constant pain in the joints
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling around the joints
- Reduced movement
- Difficulty in walking
👉 Severe symptoms point to the fact that the patient needs to undergo surgery.
Benefits / Outcomes of Surgery
Surgery, especially when the joints are replaced, provides the following benefits to the patient:
- Relief from pain.
- Improved movement
- Improved quality of life
- Results last up to 15 to 25 years
Knee and hip replacement surgery in India shows high success rates.
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