Bone-on-Bone Arthritis

Understanding Bone-on-Bone Arthritis

Overview: Bone-on-bone arthritis is often used to describe advanced osteoarthritis (OA), where wear and tear on joints lead to direct bone contact. OA is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting over 32.5 million adults in the United States. Joint injury and general wear and tear with age are the main causes, and it is a progressive condition.

What is Bone-on-Bone Arthritis?
In advanced OA, the cartilage, a tissue inside healthy joints, thins, and surfaces become rough, hindering smooth joint movement. The body’s attempts to repair damage can lead to issues like bone spurs, joint swelling, and reduced joint stability. Healthcare professionals categorize OA into three stages: Early, Mid, and Advanced, with the latter involving significant cartilage loss and potential bone-to-bone contact. Is it Reversible? Unfortunately, there is no cure for OA, but symptom management is possible.

Signs and Symptoms: Advanced-stage OA presents with pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Individuals may experience a constant dull ache alongside intermittent intense pain, impacting daily activities.

Managing Pain: People can employ various home methods to manage pain, including hot and cold therapy, maintaining a moderate weight, using pain medication, and utilizing walking aids. Self-management classes, like the Arthritis Self-Management Program, are also recommended.

Treating Bone-on-Bone Arthritis

Medical Treatment
Medical treatments may include glucocorticoid injections to ease swelling and pain. Home exercise, despite discomfort, is crucial for managing OA, involving low-impact activities and gentle exercises to reduce pain and swelling.

Surgical Options
In some cases, surgery, such as total joint replacement, may be considered as a last resort when other treatments have not worked. However, it’s essential to note that artificial joints can wear out, necessitating potential repeat surgeries.

Physical Therapy
Understanding that the body is not as straightforward as a machine, physical therapy plays a crucial role. Strengthening muscles, especially in the hips and knees, and performing joint mobilizations can help decrease OA-related knee pain.

Conclusion
Contrary to the perception that “bone on bone” signals the end, it is a reminder that effective strategies exist to manage and improve the quality of life for those with advanced-stage OA.

PróMotion Physical Therapy Approach

Our approach combines applied functional science, the international classification of function, and current science to create a holistic system for treating arthritis. We aim to improve your quality of life by addressing physical and behavioral ramifications, considering structure, function, task limitations, and your specific goals. Optimum outcomes are achieved through a variable, contextual, and home-workable approach.