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Joint Surgery Center at FMC
“Reach Humphreys Peak”
What is osteoarthritis?
Recreational activities such as hiking,
biking and simply walking are valued by many people. However, an active
lifestyle can be something people sometimes take for granted. For many,
these activities are not possible due to joint pain caused by
osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease and the most common
form of arthritis. Fortunately, there is help for people who suffer from
OA.
A joint normally has a smooth, slippery
surface on the ends of the bone called cartilage. This cartilage helps
the bones glide smoothly with movement. In the early stages of OA, the
cartilage starts to wear away. This results in swelling and deformity in
the joint and eventually affects the bone, joint capsule, muscles and
ligaments. While OA can occur in any joint in the body, it typically
occurs in the hands, knees, hips and spine.
The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown but scientists believe that joint
injury, stress on the joint, family history and excess weight can
contribute to this condition. OA occurs most often in older people.
Younger people who have had joint injuries also can develop this form of
arthritis.
Pain and decreased function are usually
the first symptoms of OA. Gradually, other symptoms like swelling, joint
deformity, grinding, clicking, morning stiffness lasting less than 30
minutes and feelings of instability may develop. This usually prompts a
visit to a primary care provider where a physical examination and X-ray
will be done. Sometimes, blood tests and joint fluid are checked to rule
out other types of arthritis.
There are many treatment options, all of which take a person’s lifestyle
and health into consideration. Some of the goals of treatment are to
achieve a healthy lifestyle through weight management and rest periods
for the joint. Exercise and medications also are used extensively to
help improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Occasionally, surgery will
be needed to correct the problem. The surgical procedures most often
used are the joint arthroscopy, to clean up the damaged cartilage, and
the total joint replacement, to replace the entire joint surface.
Osteoarthritis pain strikes approximately
11 percent of people over age 64 and is a treatable condition, but there
are many in our community suffering every day. The options to consider
are numerous and a primary care provider can help patients choose which
one is right for them. The sooner a person makes an appointment to take
control of their OA, the sooner they can get back on the road or trail.
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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
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TOTAL HIP
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TOTAL
KNEE
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PATIENT
ANESTHESIA FAQs
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EVENT DATES
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CONTACT
INFORMATION
You can contact the
Joint Care Coordinator
at 928 214-2812
or by
e-mail.
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Northern Arizona Healthcare - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Flagstaff Medical Center - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Verde Valley Medical Center - 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Ariz. 86326 - 928
639-6000
VVMC - Sedona Campus - 3700 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, Ariz., 86336 - 928 204-3000
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