What is osteoarthritis?
●       Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is typically caused by wear and tear.
●       Pain and inflammation occur when the smooth covering (cartilage) of the joint becomes damaged or worn.
●       Bone ends then begin to rub against each other, causing increased stress and friction.
●       Bone spurs can develop at the edges of the bones, and the joints can become painful and swollen.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
●       Pain typically develops slowly, over time
●       Periodic swelling and tenderness in the joint
●       Stiffness when getting up to move
●       Weakness in joints
●       Grinding or popping
●       Decreased range of motion
●       Deformity of the joint
●       Pain without weight-bearing activities
●       Difficulty with simple tasks because of joint-related pain or stiffness
What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?
●       Nonsurgical options
○       NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.) and topical NSAIDs (Pennsaid, Voltaren)
○       Exercise/physical therapy
○       Weight loss
○       Bracing/support
○       Injections: steroid, hyaluronic acid, stem cell, platelet-rich plasma
●       Surgical options: arthroscopy, total joint replacement
You have a seminar on osteoarthritis coming up.  Tell us a little about that.
I’m hosting a free Lunch & Learn seminar on April 17 at the White Hall Community Center.  I’ll be there to answer your questions about osteoarthritis and its treatment options.  Register online at ArkSurgicalHospital.com.
You can find Dr. Lawrence at Arkansas Surgical Hospital’s new orthopedic clinics in Conway and White Hall.  Or, you can go to Arkansas Surgical Hospital itself in North Little Rock.