How to maintain osteoarthritis?

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Arthritis primarily requires avoiding cold exposure. For middle-aged and older individuals, it is advised to reduce or avoid mountain climbing and excessive weight-bearing activities, as well as excessive walking and running. These can exacerbate the symptoms and severity of osteoarthritis, and may even cause local pain and swelling in later stages, further aggravating osteoarthritis, leading to bone proliferation, worsening degeneration of bone joints, and even resulting in an inability to move around. Therefore, in addition to the precautions mentioned above, it is also recommended for the middle-aged and older population to appropriately supplement with bone peptides and some drugs that nourish joint cartilage annually, such as amino acids and glucosamine, all of which help in the maintenance and relief of osteoarthritis symptoms.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
1min 10sec home-news-image

What foods should be eaten for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is generally divided into two main categories. The first category is liver and kidney deficiency, commonly seen in older adults. For this condition, it is advocated to consume foods that nourish the liver and kidney. Black foods are considered to benefit the kidneys, such as black rice, black beans, black goat, and black pork. Other foods like He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum), Rehmannia glutinosa, Coix seed, and Chinese yam also help nourish the liver and kidney and can be beneficial for the condition. The second category is Qi stagnation and blood stasis type, where it is recommended to eat foods that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. In Western medicine, there are no specific dietary recommendations for treating osteoarthritis, except for general advice for elderly women to consume calcium-rich foods to prevent bone-related issues. Foods recommended include milk, eggs, and lean meat, which are rich in protein and calcium, and it is encouraged to consume more of these.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis

Osteoarthritis and arthritis are different. Firstly, osteoarthritis refers to degenerative changes in the joints, mainly caused by aging and chronic strain, leading to damage to the joint cartilage. This results in symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and limited mobility, which are characteristics of osteoarthritis. The scope of arthritis, however, is broader. Depending on the cause, arthritis can be divided into many types, including osteoarthritis, which is a type of arthritis. Other types include septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis. Therefore, there is a distinction between the two. Arthritis covers a wider range, while osteoarthritis is simply a type of arthritis that involves the bones.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is hot compress good for osteoarthritis?

For patients with osteoarthritis, hot compresses are very effective. Hot compresses can promote local blood circulation, which can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis. Usually, hot compresses are applied using hot water bottles, or by heating bran or salt, which are very effective. Typically, apply the hot compress twice a day, each time for more than half an hour. Additionally, aside from hot compresses, it is important to protect the affected area in patients with osteoarthritis, avoid exposure to cold, and reduce irritation to the area. When necessary, treatment may also need to be supplemented with medications, such as pain relievers and drugs that nourish the cartilage.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Osteoarthritis complications

In clinical practice, there are many complications associated with osteoarthritis, mainly reflected in the following aspects. First, the presence of osteoarthritis causes the joints to exhibit obvious symptoms of swelling and pain. Often due to the pain and swelling, patients are reluctant to move, and prolonged inactivity can lead to joint stiffness and significant muscle atrophy in the affected areas. Second, osteoarthritis often leads to the extensive detachment of joint cartilage, making it easy for free bodies to form within the joint. Third, the presence of osteoarthritis may lead to the development of bursitis in patients. Fourth, osteoarthritis can also cause damage to the meniscus.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Is soaking feet good for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can benefit from soaking the feet in warm water, slightly hotter if possible, as the feet have numerous nerves. This can promote blood circulation and facilitate metabolism, such as the elimination of bodily waste, which is beneficial, especially for middle-aged and elderly people, in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Osteoarthritis depends on the location and is a chronic joint disease. Its primary pathological change is the degenerative alteration of the joint cartilage. Typically, this condition affects middle-aged and older individuals, more so women than men. Early changes include the deterioration of the joint cartilage, leading to the exposure of the subchondral bone, which can then cause periostitis, changes in the joint capsule, and surrounding muscles. Usually, it presents as rest pain, which may decrease with light activity. Treatment often involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate for lubrication and joint protection. In severe cases, joint replacement, such as knee replacement, may be necessary. Thus, soaking the feet can be beneficial for those with osteoarthritis.