Surgery
When an older person suffers such severe osteoarthritis that most normal activity becomes impossible, surgical replacement
of the affected joints may be considered. Hip replacement, in which the entire hip joint or head of the femur is replaced,
is the most common operation of this type. The replacement joint is made of plastic and metal parts and is held in place by
special plastic cements. The artificial joints allow the previously immobilized patient to be relieved of crippling pain,
and most activities can be resumed following physical therapy and regaining of muscle function.
More recent joint replacements include the knee--a joint that is more complicated than the hip and, consequently, poses more
engineering problems in replacing. However, the newer artificial knee joints are providing good results, both in terms of
pain relief and restoration of function.
Traumatic Arthritis
Closely related to osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis is usually the result of excessive joint use combined with injury.
It is commonly seen in athletes. Rest will usually resolve the problem, although in some instances, drugs or surgery may be
required, particularly in the case of athletes who need to quickly regain the use of the injured joints.
Summing Up
For millions of people, osteoarthritis is an inevitable condition of aging. Most cases can be handled by rest and common sense.
Anti-inflammatory drugs--both non-prescription painkillers such as aspirin or acetaminophen, or prescription non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory agents--may be used during flare-ups.
Osteoarthritis rarely turns into a crippling disease, but as newer and more effective drugs are available for reducing
aches and pains to a minimum, there is little reason for allowing this particular cause of physical discomfort to be a
dominating factor in determining one's life style in advancing years.
