Our joints enable us to stay active and perform daily activities throughout our lives. However, over time, joints can experience wear and tear, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis and joint deterioration. While joint deterioration is a natural part of aging, there are effective ways to preserve joint health and manage its deterioration conservatively.

Before discussing treatment options, we first need to understand the process of joint deterioration. Joint deterioration primarily refers to the breakdown of cartilage, the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones in a joint. This deterioration can lead to pain, stiffness, inflammation, deformity and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a prime example of joint deterioration. It occurs when the cartilage that protects and cushions the joints breaks down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other.

Preserving joint health is essential to maintaining an active lifestyle. Healthy joints enable us to engage in physical activities, such as walking, running, and playing sports, without constant pain or limitations. Joint preservation not only enhances mobility but also prevents the further progression of joint deterioration and the need for invasive treatments like joint replacement surgeries.

Conservative treatments aim to manage joint deterioration and alleviate pain without resorting to surgical interventions. Let's explore some effective conservative treatment approaches that can significantly improve joint functionality and quality of life:

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a vital role in joint preservation. Our specialists have designed safe exercises to effectively strengthen the muscles around the joint, improving stability and reducing stress on the deteriorating joint. Range-of-motion exercises help maintain flexibility, preventing further stiffness.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for joint preservation, especially for weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. Excess weight puts added stress on joints, accelerating their deterioration. By managing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, individuals can reduce the strain on their joints.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can provide temporary relief from joint pain and inflammation. However, consult your doctor at the Bumrungrad Joint Center before taking these medications to maximize efficacy, while reducing the risk of side effects.

Lifestyle Modifications: Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact joint health. Avoiding high-impact activities, using proper joint protection techniques, and incorporating joint-friendly exercises like swimming and cycling can help minimize stress on deteriorating joints.

Assistive Devices: Joint deterioration can affect mobility, making it challenging to perform daily activities. Assistive devices like knee braces provide support to weakened joints, reducing pain and may improve their function.
 
 
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help manage joint pain and control inflammation. Additionally, hyaluronic acid injections, often used for knee osteoarthritis, act as lubricants and shock absorbers in the joint, improving mobility, reducing pain and inflammation.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP harnesses the body's natural healing abilities by utilizing a concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors derived from the patient's own blood. When injected into the affected joint, PRP can aid in reducing inflammation, promoting tissue regeneration, and stimulating the reparation process.
 
Joint preservation and conservative treatments play a pivotal role in managing joint deterioration and maintaining an active lifestyle. While joint deterioration is a natural part of aging, it doesn't have to mean a life filled with pain and limitations. By adopting a combination of physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, pain management strategies, and other conservative approaches, individuals can effectively slow down the progression of joint deterioration and enhance their overall quality of life. Consult the specialists at the Bumrungrad Joint Center to determine the best-suited treatment options. Initiating treatment at the early stages of joint-related conditions yields superior outcomes and holds off further degeneration.

 

Contributed by Dr. Pakpoom Somrak, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialist