THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF JOINT DISEASE
Osteoarthritis
A common joint condition caused by wear and tear of the cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced function — most often in the knees, hips, hands and spine. Managed with lifestyle, medical and surgical care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, caused by gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in joints. As cartilage wears away, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced joint function. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine, as well as the hands. Risk factors include age, female gender, obesity, previous joint injury, repetitive joint stress, family history and certain occupations or sports. Typical features include pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, stiffness after periods of inactivity (gel phenomenon), reduced range of motion, joint swelling, grinding sensations and, in advanced disease, joint deformity and disability. Diagnosis is based on clinical features supported by X-ray findings. Treatment focuses on pain relief, maintaining function, lifestyle modification (especially weight loss), physiotherapy, medical therapy and, in advanced cases, joint replacement surgery. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive osteoarthritis care, with orthopaedic referral when needed, at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Ageing — most common risk factor
- Obesity — major contributor to knee and hip arthritis
- Previous joint injury or surgery
- Repetitive joint stress from work or sports
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Female gender (more common after menopause)
- Certain other joint conditions
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical features supported by X-ray findings
Knees, hips, hands, spine and base of the thumb
Weight loss, exercise, physiotherapy, pain relief and joint replacement in advanced cases
Even modest weight loss significantly improves knee and hip osteoarthritis
Strengthening and low-impact exercises improve function and reduce pain
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — with orthopaedic referral when needed
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Weight Management with Exercise & Targeted Therapy
The most effective approach combines weight loss in overweight patients, structured exercise and physiotherapy, pain relief during flare-ups, joint protection strategies, and orthopaedic referral for joint replacement in advanced cases that significantly affect quality of life.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the affected joints and arranges X-rays and other tests when needed.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with lifestyle modification, exercise, pain relief and structured physiotherapy.
- 3
Medical Management
Pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy in selected cases, weight management support, physiotherapy and joint protection strategies.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review to assess function and pain control, with orthopaedic referral for advanced disease or joint replacement consideration.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Weight Loss and Lifestyle Modification
In overweight patients, even modest weight loss significantly reduces stress on weight-bearing joints and improves pain and function.
Structured Exercise and Physiotherapy (Referral for physiotherapy)
Strengthening exercises, low-impact aerobic activity and structured physiotherapy improve joint function, reduce pain and slow progression.
Pain Relief
Safe pain-relieving medication used in a structured manner helps control pain and supports activity. Anti-inflammatory therapy may be used in selected cases.
Joint Protection Strategies
Using supportive footwear, mobility aids when needed, avoiding excessive impact and pacing activities help reduce joint stress.
Joint Replacement Surgery in Advanced Cases (Referral for surgical evaluation)
Joint replacement surgery is highly effective for advanced osteoarthritis significantly affecting quality of life, particularly of the knee and hip.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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