Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Specialists at the Department of Orthopedics of “Herzliya Medical Center” conduct an effective treatment for osteoarthritis in Israel, introducing the most modern techniques. The hospital boasts years of clinical experience in combination with outstanding staff and high technology in the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of the joints. “Herzliya Medical Center” for many years, has been holding a leading position in terms of quality of care and patient safety and is among the top centers of orthopedics in Israel.

What is typical of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint damage caused by degenerative changes in the cartilage. The articular surface of bones is covered by hyaline cartilage, acting as a natural shock absorber, preventing excessive loads on the movable parts. Its smooth texture allows you to minimize friction processes within the joint, ensuring maximum mobility. The violation of cartilage coating (thickness reduction and integrity) entails a number of serious changes in the bone and ligaments, affecting the normal functioning of the joint, reducing its mobility and causing pain.

Causes and risk factors for osteoarthritis

Clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis depend on the extent of the damage to the cartilage. At the moment, there are several scientifically established factors that cause irreversible degenerative processes, among which are of particular importance:

• Age-related changes – the risk of developing osteoarthritis increases significantly with age. It is important to note that damaged cartilage is not a regulatory change in the elderly, and the disease requires a professional approach in patients of all age groups
• Congenital malformations of the joints, the deformation of the articular surfaces of the bone or ligamentous apparatus
• The consequences of traumatic injuries of the joints
• Overweight, which increases the load on the large joints of the lower extremities
• Occupational factors related to excessive load on the joints and the risk of injury
• Metabolic diseases and hormonal disorders
• A complication of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune processes

Scientific research has found that women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men. Depending on the causes of the disease, there can be isolated or multiple lesions of the joints. Large joints of the lower limbs carrying a heavy load are the most susceptible to osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis in Israel

Specialists at “Herzliya Medical Center” hold all the necessary diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the joint damage and the causes of the disease.

The main methods of diagnosis of osteoarthritis in Israel include:

Physical examination by a qualified podiatrist, including the study of the history of the disease, the measurement of the amplitude of the movement of the damaged joint, as well as the definition of symptoms indicative of cartilage damage
Instrumental methods of X-ray and visual diagnostics including ultrasound, X-rays, and MRIs
Invasive endoscopic diagnostic techniques (arthroscopy)
Laboratory methods of blood testing for signs of infection or metabolic disorders, as well as an analysis of synovial fluid, which allows judging the nature of the pathological process in the joint

Conservative treatment of osteoarthritis in Israel

The conservative treatment of degenerative cartilage changes is directed on the elimination of pain and the restoration of physiological mobility. With progressive methods of treatment of osteoarthritis in Israel, the following should be noted:

Effective treatment of pain with the help of modern drugs. In most cases, the use of non-narcotic drugs containing Paratsitomol is administered, but pronounced pain syndrome requires a short-term administration of narcotic drugs.
NSAIDs can reduce the swelling of the tissues of the joint and also help to relieve pain.
Corticosteroids (cortisone derivatives) have potent anti-inflammatory effects and are used for the treatment of osteoarthritis in Israel both systemically and by intra-articular administration
Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid drugs which increase the viscosity of the synovial fluid and reduces the friction of the articular surfaces of bones, and protects and prevents the further destruction of the cartilage layer
Physiotherapy treatment aimed at restoring mobility in the joint and are an integral part of the rehabilitation therapy

Surgery for osteoarthritis in Israel

Indications for surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the joint depends on the type, extent and the destruction of the cartilage, the patient’s age and the presence of comorbidities. Orthopedics at HMC hold all kinds of advanced operations on the joints of any degree of complexity. The main types of operations for osteoarthritis in Israel are:

Arthroscopy – a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that allows you to stop or significantly slow the progression of the disease and prevent a joint replacement. Timely surgery to remove intra-defects, in the majority of cases, contributes to the full restoration of functional abilities
Arthroplasty (joint replacement) a full or a partial replacement of the damaged joint with artificial implants

Professionalism, comprehensive and an individual approach, humane treatment and excellent hospitalization at “Herzliya Medical Center” are an integral part of successful treatment and full rehabilitation of patients suffering from osteoarthritis.