Our orthopedics expert shares insights about prevention and treatment.
The term “arthritis” is a catchall phrase for more than 100 conditions that affect joints and their surrounding tissues, causing pain that can range from mild to severe. About 54 million U.S. adults have arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frank Femino, MD, Director of Orthopedics at Clara Maass Medical Center (CMMC), answers a few key questions about this common—and sometimes debilitating—condition.
What causes arthritis?
There are many types of arthritis. Broadly speaking, it can be divided into either “wear and tear” or “inflammatory.” Wear-and-tear arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is caused by the joints wearing out due to overuse or injury. Inflammatory arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Two common examples are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
What can people do to prevent arthritis?
Maintaining good health is the best preventive measure. This includes proper nutrition; weight loss, if necessary, through sensible dieting; and an exercise program that avoids overuse or injury. There’s a balance between being sedentary and being active to the point where it’s excessive and you’re causing damage.
The old adage “train, don’t strain” is a good one to keep in mind. Inflammatory arthritis is best treated by a rheumatologist, who can prevent joint damage through proper medication.
How is arthritis treated?
I like to start with very conservative, holistic treatments. These include proper footwear; weight loss, if needed; and an exercise program or physical therapy to increase joint flexibility and strength. This can always be supplemented with oral medication, as necessary. Herbal supplements, such as turmeric, are often helpful. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are also widely available over the counter.
Check with your physician to be sure herbal and over-the-counter medications are safe for you. Injections of either cortisone or gel (hyaluronic acid) can give sustained relief from arthritic pain.
When should a person consider joint replacement to relieve arthritis?
It’s based on pain. If, after conservative care, your knee or hip is telling you what to do, as opposed to you telling it what to do, it’s time to think about joint replacement. Joint replacement is the ultimate cure for arthritis of the hip and knee, but it’s a personal decision. The patient has to feel not only physically ready, but emotionally ready.
To learn more about orthopedics at Clara Maass Medical Center, visit www.rwjbh.org/cmmcortho.
What is the surgery and recovery like?
I think of joint replacement as a temporary inconvenience for the patient. At CMMC, we use minimally invasive techniques for surgery and the latest in pain management to speed recovery and get the patient back to normal activity. Many patients stay in the hospital only one or two days, and some even leave the same day. They then receive physical therapy at home for a week or so, and then as an outpatient.
Some patients may require a short stay on our Transitional Care Unit, and then they go home. Either way, they’re back to an active lifestyle quickly and comfortably.