Osteoarthritis (OA) Treatment in Tarlac

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. It commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. At Tarlac Medical Center, we provide advanced osteoarthritis evaluation and management to reduce pain, restore joint function, and improve quality of life.

OA is progressive, and early diagnosis is critical to prevent further joint damage and maintain an active lifestyle. Our multidisciplinary approach combines medical treatment, physical therapy, and lifestyle guidance for optimal results.

Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis develops due to multiple factors, including:

• Age-related wear and tear of cartilage
  • Previous joint injuries or fractures
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Obesity, which increases stress on weight-bearing joints
  • Repetitive joint stress from work or sports
  • Muscle weakness around affected joints

Understanding the underlying cause helps guide individualized treatment strategies.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Common signs of OA include:

• Joint pain worsened by activity and relieved by rest
  • Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after inactivity
  • Swelling or tenderness around joints
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Grinding or popping sounds during movement

Persistent symptoms may limit daily activities, emphasizing the need for early intervention.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

At Tarlac Medical Center, our OA assessment includes:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination
  • Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound) to evaluate cartilage loss and joint integrity
  • Laboratory tests to rule out inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
  • Functional assessment to determine mobility, strength, and daily activity limitations

This comprehensive approach ensures accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Treatment and Management

Osteoarthritis management at Tarlac Medical Center focuses on relieving pain, improving joint function, and slowing disease progression:

1. Medications
   • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
   • Pain relievers or topical analgesics
   • Corticosteroid injections for acute flare-ups
2. Physical Therapy and Exercise
   • Strengthening and stretching exercises to support affected joints
   • Low-impact aerobic activities to enhance circulation and mobility
   • Postural training to reduce joint stress
3. Supportive Devices
   • Braces, orthoses, or splints to stabilize joints
   • Assistive devices for daily activities when needed
4. Complementary Therapies
   • Kinesiotaping for joint support and pain reduction
   • Acupuncture or laser therapy to relieve stiffness and inflammation
   • Lifestyle guidance, including weight management and activity modification
5. Surgical Intervention (if necessary)
   • Joint replacement surgery for advanced or severe OA
   • Arthroscopic procedures for minimally invasive joint repair

Recovery and Long-Term Care

Recovery and management depend on disease severity:

• Mild OA: Pain relief and mobility improvement within weeks using therapy, exercises, and medication
  • Moderate OA: Ongoing therapy, injections, and lifestyle modifications over several months
  • Severe OA: Surgical intervention with post-operative rehabilitation for functional restoration

Patients are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle, adhere to prescribed therapies, and follow ergonomic guidance to prevent further joint damage.

Why Choose Tarlac Medical Center?

• Experienced orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists
  • Comprehensive diagnostic and imaging facilities
  • Personalized treatment plans for each patient
  • Integration of therapy, medications, and supportive devices
  • Private and comfortable care environment
  • Patient-centered approach emphasizing mobility, pain reduction, and quality of life