Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, which is sometimes referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis is the most

common reason for people to have a joint replacement.

This type of arthritis is when the joint cartilage on the ends of the bones wears out and the

slippery, smooth surfaces that glide over each other in a normal joint become roughened

and thin or worn out completely. This causes the movement of the joint to become painful

and ultimately stiff. Some patients have lots of pain with arthritis whereas others have

more problems with reduced movement and stiffness. Whatever the symptoms eventually

arthritis symptoms affect a patient’s quality of life often in the years when they have retired

and are ready to enjoy new activities and hobbies and spending time with their

grandchildren.

A joint replacement removes the worn-out joint surfaces and replaces it with a prosthetic

joint thus removing the source of pain and stiffness.

How do I know I have arthritis?

Hip:

Classically patients develop groin pain, this can often radiate down the front of the thigh to

the knee. There may also be discomfort or aching around the side of the hip and the

buttock. Occasionally some patients experience no groin or pain around their hip and only

have knee pain. It is common to have night pain and find it uncomfortable to lie of the hip.

Patients can also experience the leg giving way or the hip catching.

As the arthritis progresses the hip becomes stiff and a classic sign is that it becomes very

difficult to perform pedicure or put on socks.

Patients find they are doing less activity and may start using a stick when they walk.

Often the need for painkillers increases or the pain killers they are taking work less well.

Knee:

Pain is generally throughout the knee but can be more specific to one side or other of the

knee depending on the pattern of arthritis in the knee. It is more common for the inside

part of the knee to become arthritic and so patients often experience pain on the inside and

front of the knee. As the arthritis progresses the shape of the knee can change and the leg

can become more bowed or knock kneed.

Arthritic knees are often swollen and can give way or catch and lock.

Patients find they are doing less activity and may start using a stick when they walk.

Ascending and descending stairs can become increasingly difficult.

Often the need for painkillers increases or the pain killers they are taking work less well.

What causes arthritis?

There are many causes but invariably there is no one absolute cause and the joint simply

starts to wear out.

Some other common causes are:

•  Previous injury to the joint such as a fracture that has damaged the joint cartilage

 

• Injury to the meniscus (knee shock absorbers) or knee ligaments. There may have been surgery associated with these injuries but we know these injuries can accelerate wear and tear.

• Being overweight particularly in Knee arthritis

•  Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis which can damage the joint cartilage

•  Advancing age

• Long term abnormalities of the joint from childhood conditions such as dysplasia of the hip.
  

The first part of diagnosis is for the surgeon to take a history of the patients symptoms and

signs.

Arthritis is predominantly diagnosed using x rays. Occasionally a scan such as an MRI scan

may be organised

Treatment:

The first line of treatment is simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatories

tablets or gels to the affected joint.

Physiotherapy helps maintain muscle strength and joint movement and importantly this

aids recovery after surgery.

Weight loss particularly helps patients with knee arthritis as well as improving overall well-

being and recovery from surgery.

All conservative forms of treatment should be tried before embarking on surgery.