Maintaining healthy joints: Arthritis symptoms and cure

One of the most commonly found joint ailments, Arthritis typically means joint inflammation. However, over the years, the term is used to describe around 200 conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue. Dr Rajeev K Sharma, Chairman, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, Vimhans Nayati Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, sheds some light on the symptoms of arthritis, and its treatment through joint replacement surgery.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

• • Acute Pain – Affected joints might hurt during or after movement
  • Stiffness – Joint stiffness might be highly noticeable, especially after long period of inactivity 
  • Tenderness and swelling – The joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure, in turn leading to inflammation around it 
  • Loss of flexibility – Inability to move your joint sufficiently
  • Grating sensation – Popping, crackling or a grating sensation while moving the joint

Joint replacement to cure Arthritis

Joint surgery, over the years, has evolved in such a manner that normal knee/hip movements can be replicated post-surgery. Good surgical techniques, complete pain control and best joint implants result in near normal functional outcome, equivalent to the natural biomechanics of a hip or knee.

According to Dr Rajeev K Sharma from Vimhans Nayati Super Specialty Hospital, many people still are sceptical about getting a joint replacement surgery. The common fears are pain, poor function and complications. 

However, the advent of minimally invasive surgeries has changed the scenario. A modern day technique where surgeons use multi-modal pain relief protocol with best implants, minimally invasive surgeries offer enhanced recovery with minimum pain post-surgery.

At this juncture, some key factors determining the success of a modern day joint replacement surgery: 

• Advanced instruments & patient specific implants 
• A well-trained and experienced team of surgeons 
• State-of-the-art operation theatres with latest anaesthesia techniques 
• Counselling the patient and his/her family for the mental preparedness of the surgery 

Additionally, there is a paradigm shift where a good surgery can ensure shorter stays at the hospital. Now, post-surgery the patients get back to normal movement by up to 90%, within 10 days. “Rapid recovery and painless joint replacement is today’s reality,” says Dr Rajeev K Sharma.