Degenerative (Wear and Tear) Conditions

In an aging society now more aware of the benefits of exercise and physical activity, degenerative joint conditions, also known as osteoarthritis, are one of the most common causes of pain, stiffness, and joint disability.

While it commonly affects older people with joints that have undergone many years of wear and tear, younger active sportspeople can also be affected, especially if they have from sports injuries that are not fully treated.

Osteoarthritis can affect many joints in the body, most commonly the knees, hips and fingers. Where it affects the spine, it is also referred to as cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) spondylosis.

The traditional approach to such a condition involves rest, medications, physiotherapy exercises, glucosamine supplements and joint injections.

Unfortunately they offer only temporary symptomatic relief while the disease progressively gets worse. Pain medications while appropriate for short term use, often carry risks of long term side effects.

Medications are known to cause gastro-intestinal bleeding, liver toxicity, and increase cardiovascular risk.

Joint injection with viscosupplementation are sometimes used as a “lubricant” to the joint. However recent medical opinion indicate that the benefit of viscosupplementation on pain and function in patients is minimal.

• “Do not offer intra-articular hyaluronan injections for the management of osteoarthritis.” [2014] , National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ,UK

Glucosamine based joint supplements have also become very popular over the past few years. However, years of clinical experience have also now shown them to be of very limited benefit.

• “Do not offer glucosamine or chondroitin products for the management of osteoarthritis.” [2014] ,National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ,UK

When such measures no longer control the pain and stiffness, joint replacement surgery is often suggested. While surgery can be a solution in very severe cases, this has to be balanced against the risks and costs of surgery as well as the time and effort needed for post-surgery rehabilitation.

Fortunately, a new range of options for the treatment of osteoarthritis have recently become available.

Ranging from nanotechnology based lubricant gels, disease modifying nutraceuticals, to non-invasive radiofrequency treatments, patients with joint conditions now have a whole series of safe and viable options for their symptoms.

If you are unsure how best to manage your joint aches, pain and stiffness, or if your condition has not improved despite other treatments, we are able to help.

Simply call us at +65 6732 2397 or leave a message below for Dr Tan to discuss a customized non-invasive solution for you.