Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that has a prevalence rate of 22% to 39% in India. Around 7% of the global population is suffering from Osteoarthritis. The reason behind this staggering increase in percentage is primarily due to obesity, injuries, smoking, & genetics, to name a few.
While most individuals are able to find a suitable treatment and win their fight against arthritis, some have to undergo Osteoarthritis surgery. The latter is an extreme condition that only occurs if the joint pain is not dealt with on time and regular degradation of cartilage tissues further deteriorates your joint tissues.
Starting early and taking care of your joints is the first step towards avoiding extreme conditions like surgeries. In case you’ve passed the prevention page, then in this article, you will get to explore what osteoarthritis surgery entails, who may benefit from it, the different types of surgery available, alternative treatment options, and ways to prevent the progression of Osteoarthritis.
Who Needs Osteoarthritis Surgery?
Osteoarthritis surgery is a medical procedure performed on individuals who fall under severe cases of osteoarthritis and do not respond to conservative treatments. It is only recommended when the pain and loss of mobility affect a person's quality of life significantly. The decision to undergo surgery is decided through careful evaluation and discussion with a healthcare professional.
Types of Surgery for Osteoarthritis
There are many types of Osteoarthritis surgery available depending on the affected joint and the severity of the condition. The most common surgical procedures are:
1. Knee Replacement Surgery
Osteoarthritis knee surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure in which the worn-out or damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial components. This Osteoarthritis surgery cost ranges anywhere between INR 1.5 lakh to INR 6 lakh, depending on factors like type of surgery, hospital, city, post-operative care, etc. The surgery can provide long-term pain relief and improved mobility for individuals with severe osteoarthritis in their knees.
2. Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is known for its minimally invasive surgical technique that is used to diagnose and treat various joint conditions, including Osteoarthritis. For this procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the joint by making a small incision. The surgeon then visualizes the joint and performs necessary surgery, like repairing damaged tissues or removing loose cartilage. The surgery costs anywhere between INR 80,000 to INR 1,30,000 depending on a variety of factors such as the joint being operated on, severity of the condition, type of surgery, etc.
3. Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is conducted to replace the damaged hip joint with an artificial joint. This procedure is commonly recommended only for individuals with severe osteoarthritis in the hip joint who experience pain and hindrance in their daily activities. The surgery costs anywhere between INR 3,00,000 to INR 3,50,000 depending on a variety of factors such as the joint being operated on, severity of the condition, type of surgery, etc.
4. Spinal Fusion
In cases where osteoarthritis affects the spine, spinal fusion surgery may be considered. The procedure comprises joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain. Spinal fusion can help improve spinal alignment and alleviate symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the spine. The treatment might cost anywhere between INR 1,89,000 to INR 8,50,000 depending on which city you live in and which hospital you choose.
Osteoarthritis Treatment Without Surgery
While individuals with extreme cases have no option other than surgery, some have the flexibility to avoid surgeries altogether. Fortunately, there are non-surgical treatment options available for individuals who prefer to explore conservative approaches or for those who are not candidates for surgery.
- Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and acetaminophen are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. These medications can provide temporary relief and improve joint function.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing osteoarthritis. A physical therapist is trained to design an exercise program tailored to your needs, focusing on strengthening the muscles around the affected joint, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall movement.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact osteoarthritis symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, and using assistive devices, such as braces or canes, can help reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Alternative Therapies: Some individuals find relief from osteoarthritis symptoms through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage. While the scientific evidence for these treatments is limited, they may be worth exploring for some individuals.
Preventing Osteoarthritis Progression
Prevention is always better than cure, and the same holds true for Osteoarthritis. If you start treating your arthritis from early on, the chances of your condition reaching the surgery stage are quite unlikely. While there are certain aspects that are not in your hands like your genetics, age, and previous joint injuries, there are steps you can take to minimize the progression of Osteoarthritis:
- Keep your weight in check: Excess weight puts your joints under heavy stress, particularly the knees and hips. By maintaining a healthy weight, you will be able to reduce the strain on your joints and decrease the risk of developing osteoarthritis. It will at least slow down the Osteoarthritis progression.
- Stay active, stay healthy: Engage daily in low-impact activities like swimming or cycling. This will help strengthen the muscles around your joints, improve joint flexibility, and reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis.
- Say ‘No” to joint injuries: If possible, protect your joints at any cost from any external damages. Wear proper protective gear while participating in sports or activities that put stress on your joints.
- Eat healthy, daily: Follow a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for maintaining joint health. Certain foods, such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties that are extremely effective on reducing joint inflammation.
- Trust in Supplements: Apart from following all the above steps, you can heal your joint pain from within by choosing three60+ Daily Joint Care & Protect tablets. They are made with nature-backed ingredients in therapeutic dosages that give the best results. It helps strengthen your bones, improve cartilage tissues, and enhance your mobility.
Osteoarthritis surgery can be a life-changing solution for individuals with severe osteoarthritis who have exhausted other treatment options. Knee replacement, hip replacement, arthroscopy, and spinal fusion are some of the surgical procedures available to alleviate pain and improve joint function. However, surgery is not the only option, and non-surgical treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and alternative therapies, can also provide relief for some individuals. If you are experiencing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, you must consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your individual needs. It’s better to start early and take proper care of your joints rather than going down the route for an Osteoarthritis Surgery.
