{"id":38066,"date":"2024-07-16T16:58:15","date_gmt":"2024-07-16T08:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?post_type=health-article&#038;p=38066"},"modified":"2025-05-18T18:19:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-18T10:19:15","slug":"understanding-the-telltale-signs-of-osteoarthritis","status":"publish","type":"health-article","link":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/understanding-the-telltale-signs-of-osteoarthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Telltale Signs of Osteoarthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"38066\" class=\"elementor elementor-38066\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b92652c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b92652c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1e3b51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f1e3b51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint conditions, impacting millions of people around the globe. OA can lead to significant discomfort and disability if not addressed early. Understanding the early symptoms of OA, such as joint pain, is crucial for effective management and treatment, allowing individuals to take proactive steps to preserve their joint health and maintain a high quality of life. So, pay attention to your joints and do not ignore the early warning signs\u2014they are your body&#8217;s way of signaling that it is time to take action and care for your future mobility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4a674a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"e4a674a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2215279 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2215279\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic01\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is osteoarthritis?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73fece0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73fece0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">\u201cOsteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that primarily targets the cartilage, the protective tissue covering the ends of bones in the joints. As the cartilage wears down over time, the bones begin to rub against each other, resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility,\u201d says Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon from Columbia Asia Hospital \u2013 Klang, Dr. Ronny Arul Arumugam.<\/p><p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">\u201cA lot of people misunderstand this condition\u2014they think it is just a part of getting older, but it can seriously impact your daily life and activities,\u201d Dr. Ronny adds.<\/p><p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">Osteoarthritis typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, including the back. However, it can also impact other joints in the body, necessitating comprehensive orthopedic care.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b6a6fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7b6a6fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a47aaa8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a47aaa8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-38068\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-635ff08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"635ff08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4112ddb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4112ddb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic02\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key symptoms to watch for:<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d5fbd4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9d5fbd4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol style=\"margin-bottom: 0px; color: #2f354d;\"><li><b>Morning Stiffness :\u00a0<br \/><\/b>One of the hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis is morning stiffness in the affected joints. Individuals with OA may experience difficulty moving the affected joint upon waking, but this can gradually improve as they begin to move and warm up the joint.<br \/><br \/><\/li><li><span style=\"text-align: var(--text-align);\"><b>Pain After Activity :<br \/><\/b><\/span>Post-activity pain and stiffness are common indicators of OA progression. Individuals may notice increased discomfort and reduced joint function following physical exertion or prolonged periods of physical activity.<br \/><br \/><\/li><li><b style=\"text-align: var(--text-align);\">Loss of Flexibility :<br \/><\/b>Reduced range of motion in the affected joint is another telltale sign of osteoarthritis. As cartilage deteriorates and joint space narrows, individuals may find it challenging to perform daily activities that require bending, twisting, or reaching.<br \/><br \/><\/li><li><span style=\"text-align: var(--text-align);\"><b>Grating or Clicking :<br \/><\/b><\/span>Persistent grating, popping, or clicking noises (pops) in the joints can be a sign of OA. While occasional joint sounds are normal, consistent cracking or grinding sensations may indicate cartilage damage and bone-on-bone contact within the joint. If you frequently hear pops when moving your joints, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b477b88 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b477b88\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-942855e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"942855e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-2-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-38069\" alt=\"Elderly woman experiencing lower back pain, a common symptom of osteoporosis\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c935846 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c935846\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60364bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"60364bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic03\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Risk factors<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e71082a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e71082a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">Several factors increase the risk of developing OA. \u201cAge plays a big role in osteoarthritis because the risk increases as our cartilage naturally wears down over time. Additionally, previous joint injuries, like fractures or ligament tears, can make it more likely for osteoarthritis to develop in those affected joints. Many people do not realize how past injuries can come back to affect them years later,\u201d Dr. Ronny shares.<\/p><p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">\u201cGenetics also play a part in osteoarthritis, especially if it runs in your family. Having relatives with OA can raise your chances of developing it. On top of that, carrying extra weight puts more strain on joints like the knees and hips, speeding up cartilage breakdown and increasing the risk of OA,\u201d Dr. Ronny explains. Lastly, certain occupations involving repetitive strenuous activities in athletic also pose a higher risk of OA in specific joints subjected to constant strain.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fe3e5e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"6fe3e5e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4976c2b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4976c2b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic04\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diagnosis and treatment<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b9f9e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b9f9e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">Diagnosing osteoarthritis typically involves a combination of physical examinations, imaging studies, and joint fluid analysis. Common diagnostic methods include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and joint aspiration to evaluate the extent of joint damage and rule out other conditions, such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and infection. The severity of OA can be classified based on X-ray findings, with grade 0 representing a normal joint and grade 4 indicating the most severe OA.<\/p><p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">\u201cLifestyle changes, like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and choosing joint-friendly activities such as cycling and swimming, can really help manage osteoarthritis symptoms and improve overall joint health. Physical therapy is also beneficial as it focuses on strengthening the muscles around the affected joint, improving flexibility, and enhancing range of motion,\u201d says Dr. Ronny.<\/p><p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">Other than that, medication options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, and corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, oral supplements such as hyaluronic acid and collagen may be recommended to support joint health and reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07fd084 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"07fd084\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-832ce64 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"832ce64\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-3-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-38070\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52c772b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"52c772b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0788217 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0788217\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">Besides, hyaluronic acid injections, also known as visco-supplementation, involve injecting a gel-like substance into the joint to provide lubrication and cushioning, reducing pain and improving joint mobility. Dr. Ronny says that certain formulations of hyaluronic acid injections are specifically designed to promote joint healing through a process called visco-induction, which may aid in repairing damaged cartilage and enhancing joint function.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">According to Dr. Ronny, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient&#8217;s platelets into the joint to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. PRP injections have shown promising results in managing symptoms of osteoarthritis and may help slow down the progression of the disease. In severe cases of osteoarthritis, surgical procedures such as joint replacement or arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to restore joint function and alleviate pain.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-428465a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"428465a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f6166b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f6166b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic05\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Living with osteoarthritis<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b9fb75 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b9fb75\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">Managing osteoarthritis involves a multifaceted approach that includes regular exercise, weight management, joint protection techniques, regular medical check-ups, and adapting to lifestyle modifications.<\/p><p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">\u201cLow-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking can help strengthen muscles, improve joint flexibility, and reduce pain associated with OA. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints, slowing the progression of OA and minimizing symptoms.<\/p><p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">\u201cUsing assistive devices, modifying daily activities, and practicing good posture can also help protect the joints and prevent further damage. Other than that, periodic visits to healthcare providers are recommended to monitor OA progression, adjust treatment plans, and provide early intervention when necessary,\u201d advises Dr. Ronny.<\/p><p style=\"color: #2f354d;\">Lastly, embracing lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments, stress management, and ergonomic improvements, can enhance quality of life and support overall joint health.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-139f74d elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"139f74d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5baad5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5baad5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-4-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-38071\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-4-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/osteoarthritis-content-4-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b850033 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b850033\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83a9a17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"83a9a17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #2f354d;\">Recognizing the telltale signs of OA is essential for early detection and effective management of this degenerative joint disease. By understanding the symptoms and risk factors associated with OA, and exploring a range of treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain their joint health and seek timely medical intervention when needed. Through a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications, appropriate treatment strategies, and regular healthcare monitoring, individuals can enhance their quality of life and minimize the impact of OA on daily activities. \u201cStay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your joint health to live a fulfilling and active life despite osteoarthritis. Taking care of your joints now can make a huge difference later. It is all about making small changes today that can lead to a more comfortable tomorrow,\u201d Dr. Ronny reminds.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4784454 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4784454\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint conditions, impacting millions of people around the globe. OA can lead to significant discomfort and disability if not addressed early. Understanding the early symptoms of OA, such as joint pain, is crucial for effective management and treatment, allowing individuals to take proactive steps to preserve their joint health and maintain a high quality of life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38072,"template":"","topic":[154],"language":[137],"class_list":["post-38066","health-article","type-health-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-orthopedics","language-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Understanding the Telltale Signs of Osteoarthritis - Columbia Asia Hospital I Private Hospital in Malaysia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/understanding-the-telltale-signs-of-osteoarthritis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Understanding the Telltale Signs of Osteoarthritis - Columbia Asia Hospital I Private Hospital in Malaysia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint conditions, impacting millions of people around the globe. 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