How Ignoring Osteoarthritis Can Cause Leg Deformities? - Dr Gurdeep Avinash Ratra

Osteoarthritis is one of the major health concerns in the elderly population of India, with a larger population suffering from knee joint pain. It is a condition when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when the structure and strength of bone change.

This degenerative condition is painful and can often lead to bone fracture, deformity, or significant gaps in the knee, severely impacting daily life and mobility.

Osteoarthritis can affect anyone, but it becomes more prevalent with age. Women are especially vulnerable, with a higher risk compared to men after the age of 50. For some women, the hormonal changes associated with menopause may further increase this risk.

The link between delayed treatment and leg deformity

The cartilage in your joints acts as a cushion, protecting the bones from grinding against each other. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage breaks down, causing bone-on-bone contact. The body's natural response is to try and repair the damage by forming extra bone tissue, often unevenly.

This can lead to visible deformities like bowed legs, knocked knees, and joint contractures. These deformities not only cause acute pain but further restrict movement as well. Delaying treatment can increase trauma, worsen the condition, and lead to leg deformity. Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis are important to prevent such complications.

Understanding this with an example:

A 57-year-old homemaker who suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the knees, the condition caused her significant pain. She could experience a bent in her knees. This was a clear case of delayed treatment because the lady was afraid and had misconceptions about knee replacement surgery, that it’s only for very old people or people who cannot walk.

Due to her fear and misconception, her treatment was delayed 5-7 years which resulted in further bone erosion and deformity. Looking at her condition, she was advised a knee replacement surgery and an additional bone reconstruction surgery due to her leg deformity. This was a classic example of delayed treatment.

Understanding the treatments available for osteoarthritis:

• Medications: In the initial stage of osteoarthritis over-the-counter pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
• Physical therapy: Regular exercises and stretches can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength in the affected joints and can keep the condition at bay for a long duration.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce stress on the joints and improve overall health.
• Surgery: In severe cases, if pain and limitations persist despite trying medication and other therapies for more than 4-6 months. It is advised to consult your doctor for joint replacement surgery as it may be necessary to cure pain and improve mobility.

To this growing problem, total knee replacement surgery has emerged as an effective solution. This procedure involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial implants.

Despite the rising incidence of knee problems due to lifestyle changes such as decreased activity levels and increased obesity, advancements in implants and solutions have also increased, providing better treatment options for patients.