Arthritis Surgery: Is it possible to get rid of arthritis pain without surgery? Know when an operation is needed

When to get Surgery Done in Case of Arthritis: In a study conducted in the year 2019 by The Global Burden of Disease, 62.35 million people in India were found to be suffering from osteoarthritis. It is believed that it is the fourth most common cause of physical disability affecting people of different age groups in our country. In this disease, swelling, pain and stiffness start occurring in the joints. Due to which there are problems in doing daily activities and routine work. Although the option of surgery is available in this case, many patients control this problem through other measures without undergoing surgery. Today, Dr. Abhishek Bansal, Senior Orthopedic Surgeon of Pristine Care is going to tell you what are the options available for treatment in case of arthritis pain and when you may need surgery. 

Ways to get relief from osteoarthritis without surgery

1. Physical therapy 

Physical therapy helps a lot in getting relief from arthritis pain. For this, you can take the help of a trained physiotherapist, who can make a personal exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your joints, bring flexibility in them and make them fit for walking. Doing regular physical activity helps in controlling body weight, which reduces the pressure on the weight-bearing knees. 

2. Lifestyle changes

Making some changes in the lifestyle can also help in controlling arthritis. It is very important to have a balanced weight according to the height of the body. Being overweight puts more pressure on the knees and hips. Along with this, a balanced diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fatty fish etc., is also beneficial to get relief from arthritis. This also helps in preventing arthritis from developing. 

3. Alternative Therapy 

There are many patients who get relief from this disease by using alternative methods of treatment. For example, acupuncture has proved to be helpful in reducing pain in some people suffering from arthritis. Other options include massage therapy, in which the joints are massaged by lightly heating coconut or mustard oil. While another method, in which the joints are fomented with hot or cold things. These methods can also help in reducing joint swelling and relieving pain. 

4. Devices to assist in treatment

Using assistive devices such as shoe inserts or walking aids helps to control arthritis. This reduces joint pain and eliminates the factors that cause the problem. 

When should joint surgery be done?

Although in many cases people get control of joint pain without undergoing surgery. But there are some situations when joint surgery becomes necessary. -

1. When the joints are severely damaged

If the arthritis becomes so severe that you start having problems in getting up, sitting and walking. If no alternative solution provides relief. If you are feeling helpless even in routine activities, then arthroscopy or joint replacement surgery can be considered. This surgery can help in reducing joint pain and resuming routine work. 

2. Persistent pain despite non-surgical treatment

If a patient has persistent severe pain in the knees and hips and is not getting relief from any non-surgical treatment, then it can be a sign that the joints have deteriorated to such an extent that surgical operation is now necessary. If this is not done, the patient's pain does not let him sleep at night.

3. Increased swelling and difficulty in functioning 

In many cases, the swelling in the joints increases so much that it becomes difficult for the sufferer to even take a single step. In such a situation, the only option left for them to get relief from this unbearable pain is to undergo surgery. This becomes especially important to overcome the problems related to inflammation of arthritis, where surgery becomes necessary to prevent the joints from becoming permanently disabled.

Arthritis relief requires a bigger perspective

Dr Abhishek Bansal said that a comprehensive approach is needed to effectively manage arthritis pain. If someone starts experiencing joint pain like this, then the treatment should be started with general measures instead of surgery. This includes taking medicines on the advice of doctors, taking physical therapy, lifestyle changes and use of other therapies.

Know the options by consulting doctors

Along with this, it is also important to decide when to proceed towards surgery to improve quality of life and when routine life becomes difficult. By regularly consulting with healthcare providers, we can consider various options for relief from arthritis disease. Proceeding in this systematic manner can ensure the best possible outcome for our health and well-being.