×
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
  • Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
  • The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
  • P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
  • Email: [email protected]

What you need to know about osteoarthritis

Health
 Photo: Courtesy

Definition:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage normally caused by inflammation and injury. This breakdown causes pain, swelling and deformity. It is one of the more common forms of arthritis and is usually catalyzed by advancing age.

Signs and Symptoms Include:

Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of movement and pain or tenderness at the hip joint. Radiated pain, which is a deep pain in the front of your groin, front and side of your thigh, in your buttock or down to your knee. In cases of severe hip osteoarthritis, the affected leg may appear a little shorter than the other because of the bone on either side of your joint being crunched up.

Causes:

Join injury, abnormal joints, obesity, infection, and increasing age. Genetic cartilage defects, malformation of the joints as well as excessive stress on the joint. Children with congenital anomalies of the hip risk developing osteoarthritis.

 Photo: Courtesy

Diagnosis:

Initially, it is difficult due to radiating pain or shifting pain locations – including in the knees, buttocks, groin or hips. X-rays that show narrowing of the joint and spurring of the joint margins. It is also diagnosed by a review of the patient's history and clinical presentations, MRI scans, and laboratory tests.

Treatment:

• Exercise

• Weight loss

• Rest and joint care

• Opioids

• Use of cane/crutches to take weight off affected hip

• Surgery

• Complementary and alternative therapies

• Joint replacement (hip replacement)

Hip Replacement Surgery:

This is the replacement or removal of either part or the entire hip. Total hip replacement surgery replaces the damaged ball with a metal ball. Hip replacement is done at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Complications:

 Immobility, muscle loss

Additional information:

Childbirth is known to complicate the condition

 

- Dr. Maurice Lusi – Rangel Park Memorial Hospital, Tassia

 

 

Related Topics