Jan 12, 2024
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, several treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. In this article, we will explore the latest advancements in osteoarthritis treatments, including both surgical and non-surgical options, as well as lifestyle changes that can support the overall treatment plan.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Before delving into the various treatment options, it is essential to understand the basics of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the joints in the hands, knees, hips, shoulders, and spine. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones may start to rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation. The exact cause of osteoarthritis is still unknown, but factors such as age, genetics, and previous joint injuries can increase the risk.
Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can manifest differently in each individual, but there are several common symptoms to watch out for. These include joint pain and stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity or overuse. Swelling around the affected joint may also occur, making moving or performing daily activities difficult. Sometimes, a grating sensation or the feeling of bones rubbing together can be experienced. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if any of these symptoms persist, as early diagnosis and treatment can help slow down the progression of the disease.
The Latest Advancements in Osteoarthritis Treatments
In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the field of osteoarthritis treatments. One such development is the use of regenerative medicine techniques, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and other cell-based therapies. PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own blood platelets into the affected joint, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Another option is utilizing a patient’s own mesenchymal stem cells from their fat or bone marrow to promote healing and repair of injured cartilage.
Additionally, researchers are exploring the potential of gene therapy in treating osteoarthritis. By targeting specific genes involved in cartilage degeneration, scientists hope to develop new therapies that can slow down or halt the progression of the disease.
Other Non-surgical Options for Managing Osteoarthritis
While surgical interventions may be necessary in severe cases of osteoarthritis, there are several non-surgical options available to manage pain and improve joint function. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in reducing pain and increasing mobility through targeted exercises and stretches.
Pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, are commonly used to alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication regimen, as they can have side effects and interactions with other medications.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Osteoarthritis Treatments
In addition to medical interventions, certain lifestyle changes can greatly support the overall management of osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess weight stresses the joints, exacerbating symptoms. Regular exercise, such as low-impact activities like swimming or cycling, can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve joint flexibility.
Dietary modifications can also play a role in managing osteoarthritis. Including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish and walnuts, can help reduce inflammation. Avoiding processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive alcohol consumption can also have a positive impact on overall joint health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no cure for osteoarthritis, various treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. From the latest advancements in regenerative medicine to non-surgical interventions and lifestyle changes, individuals with osteoarthritis have a range of options to explore. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses each individual’s specific needs and goals. By staying informed about the latest advancements in osteoarthritis treatments, individuals can make informed decisions and take control of their joint health.
Consult a healthcare professional today at SDOMG to explore the best treatment options for osteoarthritis and take control of your joint health. Fill out the form below to learn more.
Dec 20, 2023
Cellular therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking medical treatment, revolutionizing the field of healthcare. By utilizing the body’s own cells, this innovative approach seeks to restore health and promote healing in a way that traditional medicine cannot always achieve. In this article, we will delve into the world of cellular therapy, exploring its definition, history, mechanism of action, benefits, and more.
What is Cellular Therapy?
Cellular therapy, also known as cell therapy or cytotherapy, involves transplanting living cells into a patient’s body to replace or repair damaged cells or tissues. These cells can be derived from the patient’s own body. In most circumstances, platelets or mesenchymal cells are used for this type of therapy. Platelets are the tiny cells in a patient’s blood that secrete numerous growth factors which are critical in healing. Mesenchymal cells are multipotent cells found in fat or bone marrow and have the ability to differentiate into bone, cartilage, tendon/ligament, and muscle. Cellular therapy aims to enhance the body’s natural healing processes and restore proper functioning.
History of Cellular Therapy
The history of cellular therapy can be traced back to the late 19th century when bone marrow transplantation was first attempted. This procedure involved the transfer of healthy bone marrow cells to individuals suffering from blood disorders, such as leukemia. Over the years, advancements in medical research and technology have expanded the applications of cellular therapy to various conditions, including organ transplantation, immune system disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and orthopedics.
How It Works
Cellular therapy harnesses the power of cells to promote healing and restore health. The process begins with the collection of the desired cells, which are then prepared for transplantation. These cells are carefully administered to the patient, typically through an image guided injection targeting the affected area. Once inside the body, the cells integrate themselves into the surrounding tissues and initiate the healing process. They either replace damaged cells directly or stimulate the body’s own cells to repair and help grow new tissues, leading to improved health outcomes.
Benefits of Cellular Therapy
Cellular therapy offers numerous benefits, making it a promising treatment option for a wide range of orthopedic conditions. One significant advantage is its ability to provide personalized medicine. Since cellular therapy utilizes the patient’s own cells, the risk of rejection or adverse reactions is significantly reduced. This personalized approach also allows for targeted treatment, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Additionally, cellular therapy can potentially address previously untreatable or difficult-to-treat conditions. By focusing on the root cause of the disease and promoting natural healing, cellular therapy offers new hope for patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options. Moreover, it can potentially reduce the need for invasive surgeries and lifelong dependency on medication, improving the overall quality of life for patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cellular therapy represents a remarkable advancement in medical science, offering a new frontier of treatment possibilities. By harnessing the power of cells, this innovative approach has the potential to transform the lives of countless individuals suffering from various orthopedic conditions. With ongoing research and advancements, cellular therapy holds promise for the future of healthcare, providing hope for individuals seeking more effective and personalized treatment options.
San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group is a leading provider of cellular therapy for the relief of arthritis, chronic tendon injuries, and other orthopedic conditions. Our treatment plans typically involve other forms of therapy to maximize improvements in biomechanics, fitness, nutritional status and healing capacity.
Nov 2, 2023
Chronic pain can adversely affect your quality of life and your ability to engage in daily activities. It also has repercussions on your family life, work environment, and social life. It is important to emphasize the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to improve patient’s function.
Research shows that the ability to live a meaningful life with chronic pain depends on you taking a leading role in your life.
With this in mind, here are some tips to get you started on making your life more meaningful despite living in chronic pain.
Managing Life with Chronic Pain
Developing Some Coping Mechanisms
You probably get a grim picture when you think of living life with chronic pain. However, the reality is that you can continue to enjoy a happy, healthy, and productive life. Consider:
- Learning deep breathing mechanisms or meditation to help you relax
- Reducing stressful situations in your life
- Cutting back on alcohol and smoking, which can make the problem worse
- Joining a support group
- Learning biofeedback to decrease tension
Exercise
It’s not a good idea to allow yourself to get lost in chronic pain, but instead, use it to your benefit. When you are in pain, leading a sedentary life can make the pain worse. Talk to your healthcare provider or physical therapist about a safe exercise program that suits your condition.
The program should match your current fitness level and take into account your diagnosis.
Exercise doesn’t have to be in the gym. You can do it from home with streaming videos, or you can join a rehabilitative exercise program in your area. Exercise has a pain-reducing effect because the brain releases some chemicals to block pain signals.
Try Complementary Treatments
Together with getting the proper medications and procedures, you may also want to try other effective alternative treatments that can be powerful tools to help you cope with chronic pain. Common alternatives include:
It can be challenging to manage chronic pain all alone. If you would like more professional help managing chronic pain for a more meaningful life, fill this form to request an appointment with pain management specialists at SDOMG.
Dec 30, 2022
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks. It can be constant pain or pain that comes and goes. This can cause physical discomfort as well as mental health issues. You can experience chronic pain due to:
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Chronic back pain
- Accidents
- Surgeries
Conservative Management of Chronic Pain
There are many options for managing chronic pain, including lifestyle changes and medications, like NSAIDs, over-the-counter pain medications, or opioids. These medicines have many shortcomings, but we’ll highlight the most profound:
- They don’t work for some patients.
- They can have side effects and can be toxic to patients with other underlying conditions.
- Sometimes they have reduced effectiveness, necessitating prescriptions of stronger medications.
However, there are other alternatives that you can use to manage pain, and they include:
Cold and Heat Therapies
Cold and heat are practices that many people use to manage chronic pain. The trick to using cold and heat therapy is knowing when to use them.
Cold therapy
Cold therapy reduces blood flow to the injured area, which slows down swelling and inflammation. In addition, you can apply cold compresses for joint and tendon pain.
Heat therapy
It is more useful when dealing with muscle pain. It eases the pain by increasing blood flow to the area and relaxing the muscle. Heat also reduces lactic acid accumulation, which could increase pain.
Exercise
Exercise relieves chronic pain and can improve strength, mobility, and flexibility over time. When you exercise, endorphins are released which act as natural pain killers. Therefore, it’s essential to find a workout that does not worsen your pain. Chronic pain can affect the quality of life, which can be improved by exercising.
Physical therapy
It is a pain management practice that involves strengthening and stretching exercises, massage, and other modalities, to manage chronic pain and other conditions. Physical therapists will teach you a proper comprehensive home exercise program.
Massage
It is a practice that involves soft tissue manipulation to relax muscles and reduce inflammation.
Shockwave therapy
This device uses sound waves to promote tissue healing. This can be use for muscles, tendons, and joints injuries.
Pain management continues to evolve. Pain management doctors use innovative devices and procedures that can wean their patients off medications. These techniques and devices have been used to successfully treat conditions that were previously difficult to treat.
Get Alternative Pain Treatment From SDOMG
Visit our website to learn more about alternative ways to manage chronic pain. We have a team of qualified certified pain management doctors who will give you quality, non-surgical treatment options to relieve your pain. Fill out this form to request an appointment.
Nov 5, 2022
Older adults are more likely to suffer from pain. Studies reveal that approximately 92% live with at least one chronic condition. As a result, they underreport pain as they see it as part of aging.
While we can associate some uncomfortable sensations in the body with age, it reaches a point when you must seek professional help.
So, when should you speak to your doctor about your pain? Find out more below!
What Types of Pain do Adults Experience?
Various factors can cause pain in older adults. For instance, you’re more likely to suffer from several conditions simultaneously as you age.
Although it can be difficult and often require medical diagnosis, understanding the cause of your pain is essential. Sometimes, identifying the type of pain you’re suffering from helps you know whether you need to see a doctor or not.
Here are some types of pain older adults are likely to experience:
- Back pain due to arthritis or degenerative changes (occurs mostly in the low back and neck)
- Chronic joint pain (such as knee or hip joint pain)
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Peripheral neuropathic pain (typically due to diabetes or postherpetic neuralgia)
When To Talk to Your Doctor About Pain
While most older adults become accustomed to pain, it’s crucial to speak to a doctor once it reaches a particular stage. So, when should you seek professional help?
If You Experience Severe or Intense Pain
You should speak to a doctor if you experience severe pain that causes intense suffering. For instance, if you’re suffering from back pain, talk to a doctor if:
- You experience discomfort, numbness, or weakness
- Pain appears suddenly
- Pain creeps on gradually
- The pain results from a severe blow or a fall
- You have a high fever
If Your Pain Worsens
Sometimes you may experience pain that goes away after a short period or when you use over-the-counter medication. However, you should talk to your doctor if the pain lasts longer than 72 hours.
If Your Pain Disrupts Daily Life
Some older adults tolerate pain because they believe it is part of aging. But sometimes, the pain can interfere with their daily lives (or even their caregivers). For example, it can affect your mood, sleep, work, or self-care.
As a result, patients tend to suffer from anxiety and emotional distress. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor if pain disrupts your daily life.
If You Depend on Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications can provide short-term pain relief to older adults. However, they shouldn’t be use on a daily basis.
Over-the-counter pain reliever use comes with certain risks, including potential misuse or abuse, incorrect self-diagnosis, and increased drug-drug interaction risk. If you can’t go a day without pain relievers, speak to a doctor.
Key Takeaway
Older adults experience different types of pain resulting from various conditions. However, you should speak to your doctor when the pain worsens or disrupts your daily life. If you’re experiencing pain, contact the experts at SDOMG by filling out the form below.
Oct 6, 2022
If you are among the millions of Americans suffering from low back pain, you have probably tried adjusting your lifestyle and other remedies to ease the symptoms. Although it helps upgrade to a high-tech mattress or an ergonomic office chair, the results are not always convincing.
One research by the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) in February 2021 found that how people eat will affect their low back pain. In this post, we discuss the link between Anti-Inflammatory Diet Help and Chronic Pain.
What Does An Anti-Inflammatory Diet Do?
The human immune system activates whenever the body recognizes a foreign object like an invading microbe, chemical, or plant pollen. The process triggers inflammation processes directed at the most threatening invaders.
Inflammation may sometimes persist even when a non-significant foreign invader threatens the body. In this case, inflammation becomes an enemy. Most diseases that plague the body, like heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and depression, have roots linked to chronic inflammation.
Foods That Cause Inflammation
Avoid or limit the following foods as much as possible:
- French fries and other fried foods
- Soda and any sweetened beverage
- Margarine, lard, and shortening
- Refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries
Health Risks of Inflammatory Foods
Unsurprisingly, the same foods that cause inflammation are classified as bad for health. Unhealthy foods will also contribute to weight gain, another risk factor for inflammation. Avoid food components and ingredients that may cause inflammation and increase calorie intake.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
An anti-inflammatory diet includes food like:
- Olive oil
- Tomatoes
- Green leafy vegetables like collards, kale, and spinach
- Fatty fish
- Nuts
- Fruits like cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and oranges
Benefits of Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Nuts can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, and leafy greens have high natural antioxidants and polyphenols compounds. They may be effective in alleviating chronic pain and helping you live well.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Reducing levels of inflammation requires you to aim for an overall healthy diet. Your daily eating plan should follow anti-inflammatory eating tenets by eliminating unhealthy foods. The typical anti-inflammatory diet consists of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, fish, and healthy oils.
In addition to lowering body inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet will help you with overall physical and emotional health. Most of these foods effectively boost moods and the overall quality of life.
Reliable Pain Management solutions at SDOMG
Pain can adversely affect your life in a short time. At SDOMG, we offer interventional pain procedures to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to request a consultation with our administrative team. Fill out the form below to get started.
