It is a condition in which literally means “ Inflammation of the Joints”. Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may come and go. They can be mild, moderate or severe. They may stay about the same for years, but may progress or get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-ray. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin as well as the joints.

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis

Definition :- is a form of arthritis that features the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a “cushion” between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After 55 years of age, it occurs more frequently in females.

Cause:-Osteoarthritis does not result from injury or disease but partly a result of natural aging of the joint. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates as a function of biologic processes. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. In advanced osteoarthritis, there is a total loss of the cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints. Repetitive use of the worn joints over the years can mechanically irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility

Symptoms:- 1)Symptoms depend on which joint or joints are affected. You may have: Deep, aching pain, Trouble dressing, combing hair, gripping things, bending over, squatting, or climbing stairs. Depending on which joints are involved Morning ,Stiffness after resting ,stiffness for less than an hour, Pain when walking .Your joint may be: Warm to the touch, Swollen and harder to move, Unable to move through a full range of motion.

Examinations:- X ray, MRI , Ultra sound scan, Joint fluid test, Blood test

Treatment options:- Medication , reduction of joint stress by correction of diet and weight, joint replacement surgery.

Definition :- is an autoimmune disease meaning the immune system attacks parts of the body, especially the joints which leads to inflammation causing severe joint damage if you don’t treat it. About 1 out of every 5 people who have rheumatoid arthritis get lumps on their skin called rheumatoid nodules. These often form over joint areas that receive pressure, such as over knuckles, elbows, or heels.

Cause:-Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it’s caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it’s not yet known what triggers this.Possible risk factors include genetic predisposition and smoking

Symptoms:- Symptoms can come on gradually or start suddenly. They’re often more severe than with osteoarthritis.You may feel pain and stiffness and have swelling in your hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, jaw, and neck. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects multiple joints.There tends to be a symmetrical pattern, too. When the knuckles on your left hand are inflamed, the knuckles on your right hand probably will be as well. After some time, you may notice more of your joints feel warm or become painful or swollen.The joint swelling doesn’t go away. It gets in the way of things like opening a jar, driving, working, walking, and other activities of daily living.The stiffness that usually starts in the morning may later last for hours or even most of the day. You may also feel fatigued and notice that your appetite is down and you’ve lost weight. RA can also affect other organs including the heart, lungs, and eyes.

Examinations:- X ray, MRI , Ultra sound scan, Joint fluid test, Blood .

Treatment options:- Medication , steroidal injection , reduction of joint stress by correction of diet and reduction of weight, joint replacement surgery.

Definition :- People with this condition have inflammation of the skin (psoriasis) and joints (arthritis).Psoriasis causes patchy, raised, red, and white areas of inflamed skin with scales. It usually affects the tips of the elbows and knees, the scalp, the navel, and skin around the genital areas or anus.Only about 10% to 30% of people with psoriasis will also get psoriatic arthritis.

Cause:-Psoriatic arthritis occurs when your body’s immune system begins to attack healthy cells and tissue. The abnormal immune response causes inflammation in your joints as well as overproduction of skin cells.Risk factors include genetic predisposition , psoariasis, and age being between 30-50.

Symptoms:- Psoriatic arthritis can swell the fingers and toes. People who have it often have fingernails that are pitted or discolored, too.In some people, only one joint or a few joints are affected. For example, you could have it in only one knee. Sometimes it affects the spine or just the fingers and toes

Examinations:- RF factor test , Joint fluid test, X ray , MRI

Treatment options:- Medication , steroidal injection , joint replacement surgery

Flexion is the action of bending a joint, such as your knee or elbow. This is part of ROM (Range of motion ) of joints .Normal ROM is between 5-143 degree in women and 6-140 in men. 93 degrees of knee flexion is required for rising from a seated position .106 degrees of knee flexion is required for shoelace tying .135 degrees of flexion is required to properly take a bath

The ideal candidate will be one who is capable of fairly high flexion before the surgery and who is willing and able to undergo the rehabilitation (physical therapy) necessary to regain flexion after surgery. Other factors such as weight and activity level are considered in determining if you need surgery or not. You should discuss this question with an orthopedic surgeon to assess whether Opulent Gold Knee System is the best option for you.

Knee replacement, also called Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap. This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury.

Advantages : 1) Total knee replacement can increase mobility and decrease pain. 2) More than 90 percent of patients who have knee replacement surgery experience less pain and greater mobility in their knee after the procedure.

Risks: 1) The same dangers as other major surgeries, like a chance of infections or blood clots especially if you have heart disease, diabetes that’s not well controlled, or a weak immune system . 2) Patients who don’t actively rehabilitate will not regain the maximum range of motion. 3) It’s less common, but it’s possible that your implant can become loose or get dislocated 4) The replacement joint can wear out after about 20 years.

After surgery, you’re wheeled to a recovery room for one to two hours. You’re then moved to your hospital room, where you typically stay for a couple of days. You might feel pain, but medications prescribed by your doctor should help control it. The day after surgery, a physical therapist shows you how to exercise your new knee. During the first few weeks after surgery, a good recovery is more likely if you follow all of your surgeon’s instructions concerning wound care, diet and exercise. Your physical activity program needs to include:

1. A graduated walking program — first indoors, then outdoors — to increase your mobility
2. Slowly resuming other household activities, including walking up and down stairs
3. Knee-strengthening exercises you learned from the hospital physical therapist, performed several times a day

Your doctor may recommend an early and aggressive rehabilitation regimen after surgery and after you leave the hospital. After discharge, your physician will refer you to a physical therapist. Your therapist will work with you to help you regain your strength, balance, and range of motion. Your commitment to following proper prescribed home exercises and additional rehabilitation is critical to the success of the surgery and will decide the resuming to normal activities.