Joint roughness

Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment by Dr. Mohamed Koura

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a medical condition caused by the erosion of cartilage that protects the ends of bones in joints. This leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. Commonly affected areas include the knees, hips, and spine, often resulting in spinal pain. The condition worsens with aging, excess weight, or repetitive injuries. As the cartilage wears away, bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint.

Treatment of osteoarthritis is managed by specialists like Dr. Mohamed Koura, who offers cutting-edge therapeutic techniques and medications designed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. In advanced cases, surgical intervention under his expert supervision ensures effective results.

Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis significantly affects patients’ daily lives. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain: Worsens with joint movement or strenuous activities.
• Swelling: Cartilage damage leads to joint inflammation and swelling.
• Stiffness: Difficulty moving the joint, especially after inactivity.
• Reduced range of motion: Gradual loss of flexibility.
• Cracking sounds: Grinding or popping noises during joint movement due to bone friction.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis varies among individuals, but common causes include:

• Aging: The primary risk factor, as cartilage naturally deteriorates with age.
• Excess weight: Increased stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees and hips, accelerates cartilage wear.
• Repetitive injuries: Common in athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs, leading to repeated cartilage damage.
• Genetics and bone deformities: Some people inherit weaker cartilage, or are born with bone abnormalities, increasing the risk of early osteoarthritis.

Innovative Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Treatment ranges from conservative non-surgical approaches to advanced interventions. Key options include:

1. Conservative Therapy

Ideal for early-stage osteoarthritis, aiming to reduce pain, inflammation, and improve joint mobility:

• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Physical therapy: Enhances joint flexibility and strengthens surrounding muscles.
• Hot and cold compresses: Relieve inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation

This non-surgical procedure uses heat waves to disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. Performed under imaging guidance with local anesthesia, it is a quick and safe option allowing patients to resume daily activities almost immediately.

3. PRP Injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves extracting a blood sample from the patient, processing it to concentrate platelets, and injecting it into the affected joint. This promotes natural healing, improves flexibility, and provides long-term pain relief.

4. Surgical Intervention

For severe cases unresponsive to other treatments, surgery may be necessary. Options include joint cleaning or full joint replacement with artificial implants, significantly improving joint function and reducing pain. Post-surgical physical therapy is essential for recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Mohamed Koura?

Dr. Mohamed Koura is a leading expert in interventional treatments for osteoarthritis, offering innovative and non-surgical solutions to restore mobility and comfort. His extensive expertise and use of advanced techniques have made his medical center one of the top facilities in Egypt and the Middle East for interventional joint and spine care. From radiofrequency ablation to PRP therapy, Dr. Koura ensures patients achieve optimal outcomes, enabling them to safely return to their daily activities.