Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can damage any joint. The most commonly affected joints are in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that will worsen over time, which results in chronic pain. This pain can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult.

Chad Caraway, FNP
Orthopedics

Chad Caraway, FNP, at South Central Orthopedics, discusses osteoarthritis further, “If someone starts experiencing joint symptoms they should make an appointment to be seen so that they can be appropriately diagnosed and a plan can be developed to help them with their symptoms and to slow the progression.” Medical professionals will provide a physical exam to check the tenderness, flexibility and swelling of the impaired joint. Diagnostic imaging and lab tests may also be included to confirm the diagnosis.

There are factors that can increase a person’s risk of osteoarthritis. Caraway states, “People over age 50 are more at risk to develop the disease. Others who are also at risk are women, individuals who have certain occupations that cause repetitive stress on a joint and people who are overweight.” Along with pain, depression and issues with sleeping can result from the pain of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints cannot be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and receiving certain treatments might slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.

“It depends on what stage of arthritis the person is in,” said Caraway. “I like to see a patient early in the process so that we can develop a plan for them to decrease their symptoms, increase their mobility and slow down the progression of the disease. Osteoarthritis can become debilitating. Individuals can lose function, lose range of motion and become unable to work or do activities of daily living. Our goal is to prevent them from progressing to that point.”

There are options for treatment. “If someone starts experiencing joint symptoms, they should make an appointment to be seen, so that they can be appropriately diagnosed and a plan can be developed to help them with their symptoms and to slow the progression,” said Caraway.

South Central Orthopedics offers an excellent team of orthopedic surgeons and nurse practitioners who have experience in osteoarthritis treatment. “We have a team of four orthopedic surgeons and two nurse practitioners,” said Caraway. “All of the surgeons are trained in multiple orthopedic procedures and they offer a variety of services for patients to help return their quality of life without pain.”

South Central Rehabilitation Services offers a wide array of specially trained and experienced therapists to assist in the treatment plan of care. Caraway states, “Often patients with osteoarthritis with significant symptoms benefit from physical therapy or occupational therapy. At South Central Rehabilitation Services, we have some excellent facilities that have therapists specifically trained to treat individuals living with osteoarthritis.” South Central Rehabilitation Services has four convenient locations to provide therapy services for our community.

Chad Caraway, FNP, is located at South Central Orthopedics in Laurel. If you are experiencing knee pain or would like to schedule an appointment with Chad Caraway, FNP or a member of our orthopedic team, call South Central Orthopedics at 601-649-5990. South Central Orthopedics is located at 1002 Jefferson Street, Suite 350, in Laurel. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans. To learn more, visit scrmc.com.