Arthritis Management Program

What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?

As many as 36 million people in the US have some form of arthritis or joint inflammation.  Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and typically targets your hands, hips, knees and feet.  Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease associated with the breakdown of the cartilage between joints. Cartilage becomes stiff, looses it’s elasticity and over time the cartilage wears away.  If the condition worsens, bones can rub together which causes pain and can lead to bone deformities and inflammation.  Some factors that can contribute to osteoarthritis are heredity, obesity, injury and joint overuse. It can occur in women around menopause, in men during and after middle age, and in athletes or others who have had trauma to a joint. 
Some symptoms of osteoarthritis may be pain, stiffness and swelling of joints.  Treatment of osteoarthritis is focused on reducing pain and inflammation and increasing joint mobility.  Surgery is usually reserved for cases that are unresponsive to conservative treatments.

Diagnosing and Treating Osteoarthritis

Consult with a physician
If you experience the joint symptoms listed above, the first step is to have an evaluation by a doctor that specializes in joint issues. A correct diagnosis is imperative to developing a plan of treatment.  Talk with your doctor about medications available to help with the symptoms, any supplements you are taking or plan to take, and to decide what plan of treatment is best for you. Click here for appointment information at Atlanta Orthopedics.

Managing symptoms and “flare-ups”

Below, we have listed several important areas in managing symptoms of osteoarthritis.  If we are unable to provide a service that would be of benefit to you, please let us assist you in finding those services in the community that will increase your chances of reaching your goals and improving your overall health.

Maintain ideal weight or lose weight if needed:

Research links weight gain and obesity to osteoarthritis.  Excess weight puts extra stress on weight bearing joints.  Maintaining your ideal weight may help prevent and can decrease the rate of progression of osteoarthritis.

  •  Atlanta Wellness Lifestyle and Sports Fitness Center has personal trainers trained in specific exercises for people with osteoarthritis. Gym memberships, personal training, metabolic and VO2 testing and weight loss programs combining these services are available to assist you in your weight loss goals.  If this facility is not near your home or does not meet your needs, please see our list of local fitness centers and their services.

Exercise:

Proper exercise is an important part of maintaining healthy joints, and in maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise helps deliver oxygen and nourishment to joint tissue.  By strengthening supporting muscles, pressure on joints can be reduced which can reduce pain and increase mobility.  Inactivity can actually cause osteoarthritis to progress more rapidly.

Pain Management:

Ask your doctor about alternatives to medication, or ideas you can try in addition to medication. Some of the most popular techniques are:

Consult with your doctor to find out what over the counter pain relievers are right for you and how long it is recommended to take the medications.  Taking pills with food and water can help alleviate any stomach issues.  Other pain relievers available may be using hot and cold therapy, gels or creams. 

Dietary Supplements:

Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin are natural substances found in joint fluid and some research has shown that the supplements help the body repair damaged cartilage and reduce pain.  These supplements are available in capsule, powder and liquid form.  Because the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements the way it does medications, it is important to buy a pharmaceutical grade supplement that has research to support that the ingredients on the label are actually in the product.  We recommend Lyflo Select Joint Complex, which is only available through health care professionals and is comparable in price to store bought brands. This product is available at Atlanta Wellness or can be ordered online at www.lyflo.com, enter the login zeig08.

Nutrition:

Physicians recommend seven basic steps for a balanced, healthy diet based on The Food Guide Pyramid developed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services:

  1. Eat a variety of foods
  2. Maintain an appropriate weight
  3. Consume fat and cholesterol in moderation
  4. Consume sugar in moderation
  5. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
  6. Use salt and sodium in moderation
  7. Drink alcohol in moderation
Atlanta Wellness promotes balanced, nutritional eating in partnership with a consistent exercise program. Atlanta Wellness has partnered with Good Measure Meals as a pick up location for Dacula. The Good Measure Meals plan is a convenient and affordable way to get balanced nutrition while enjoying fresh, ready-to-eat meals. Meals are conveniently delivered to your home or office or you can simply pick them up at Atlanta Wellness on Mondays and Thursdays.

Coping with Stress and Depression:

Dealing with chronic pain and lifestyle changes due to osteoarthritis can lead to stress and depression.  Engaging in the management techniques listed above can help reduce symptoms of pain, stress and depression.  People who cope with stress by using problem solving strategies and maintaining flexibility are less likely to experience depression. A doctor can assist you in identifying symptoms of depression and if you are experiencing these symptoms consistently, we can help you to locate community resources such as support groups and mental health practitioners.

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