Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Treat Arthritis?

Yes, orthopedic surgeons treat arthritis. Orthopedic surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal system diseases and injuries, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They have specialized qualifications to treat diverse medical conditions, including arthritis. Let’s talk in detail about orthopedic surgeons and arthritis. Let's begin!

What is Arthritis?

Inflammation and joint pain are symptoms of arthritis. It includes a number of disorders that can impact the joints, surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. Typical symptoms include stiffness, pain, edema, and limited joint movement. Anyone at any age can get arthritis.

It may happen gradually or all at once. When the cartilage between your joints deteriorates, arthritis develops. Usually, the connective tissue between the bones decreases with age. But in people with arthritis, this occurs earlier and faster.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms of arthritis might vary from person to person. However, people with arthritis frequently experience the following common symptoms:

Redness in the joints
Joint swelling
Pain & tenderness
Not being able to fully weight on the lower joints
Issues with mobility
Decreased range of motion
Warm or heated joints
Unusual blood count
Stiffness
Inflammatory conditions
Weakness
Tiredness
Fever

Without appropriate therapy, arthritis does worsen over time because it is a progressive condition. You can opt for a good orthopedic surgeon in Delhi if you are facing symptoms of arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

Although there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, the most frequent ones are psoriatic, rheumatoid, & osteoarthritis. In severe cases, weight and advanced age are the most common variables, regardless of the type.

Osteoarthritis - This is the most common form of arthritis. Repeated movement forces on the body lead to the development of osteoarthritis. This degenerative form of arthritis commonly develops because of injury, together with the ageing process. Joint pain & stiffness usually surface first when a person develops osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy joints. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, and can lead to inflammation in the joints or even the whole body. You can consult the best rheumatoid arthritis doctor for your treatment.
Psoriatic Arthritis - This inflammatory arthritis, which is linked to psoriasis, can cause joint discomfort and swelling. When joint deterioration gets severe or conservative measures are no longer effective, orthopaedic surgeons take over.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Surgeon for Arthritis?

When your pain doesn't go away with rest or medicine, or if it keeps getting worse. Or, you should think about seeing an orthopaedic surgeon if:

Performing everyday tasks, including walking, climbing stairs, and using your hands, is difficult.
For a long period, joints appear stiff, bloated, or malformed.
Even if the pain isn't too bad currently, scans reveal significant joint damage.
An expert surgeon can offer sophisticated care and treatment choices if arthritis is impairing your quality of life or movement.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Orthopedic surgeons use a step-by-step approach to find out if you have arthritis and how serious it is. Here's what they usually do:

1. Medical History - They’ll talk to you about your symptoms, like when the pain started, how it feels, and if anyone in your family has arthritis, etc. This helps them understand the cause of your joint pain.

2. Physical Exam - They’ll check your joints for swelling, stiffness, tenderness, etc. They’ll also see how well you can move the joint and if there's any weakness or instability.

3. Imaging Tests - To check what is happening inside the joint, they may ask for:

X-rays to check bone changes or cartilage loss
MRI or CT scans for detailed images of soft tissues
Ultrasound to spot swelling or fluid buildup

4. Lab Tests - Blood tests can help in deciding whether your arthritis is a result of inflammation or an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. If gout is suspected, they can also perform a uric acid test.

5. Joint Fluid Test - The physician will take a little liquid from your joint to check for infection. These examinations assist the surgeon in determining the kind of arthritis and selecting the best therapy for you.

A. Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Arthritis

Not all arthritis needs surgery. Particularly in the early stages, many people find comfort with non-surgical therapy. Here are some common options:

1. Medications - Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and disease-modifying medications (for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis) can help reduce pain and swelling.

2. Physical Therapy - Targeted exercises improve joint flexibility, strength, and mobility. A therapist can help you move in ways that support your joints and reduce stiffness.

3. Lifestyle Changes - Losing weight, staying active, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce pressure on joints and help manage symptoms.

4. Joint Injections - Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief, especially in the knees or hips.

5. Braces or Supports - Wearing joint braces or using assistive devices like canes can help reduce strain and improve movement.

B. Surgical Solutions for Severe Arthritis

When other treatments don’t help, the doctor suggests surgical options to reduce pain and improve movement. Here are common surgical options for arthritis:

1. Joint Replacement - The damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one. This is common for knees, hips, and shoulders.

2. Joint Fusion - The joint's bones are fused to prevent motion and lessen discomfort. This is often used for smaller joints like fingers or ankles.

3. Arthroscopy - The procedure requires a small camera that helps doctors view inside the joint to perform a clean-up of loose fragments and damaged tissue.

4. Osteotomy - The surgeon reduces joint pressure by performing surgeries (cutting, repositioning and realigning) on the bone tissue.

Winding Up

A good orthopedic surgeon plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating arthritis. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or feel you have arthritis, just see an ortho specialist without any delay. They will suggest to you how it will be treated, and it will reduce your pain, and then you can get your mobility back.