Cataract Surgery Restores Vision Clarity

by

Are your eyes more sensitive to bright lights while driving your car at night? Do the colors of objects seem faded or yellowed? Are you experiencing blurry or double vision in one or both eyes?

If you answered yes to these questions, you may be one of about 24 million Americans aged 40 or older who has cataracts.

June is Cataract Awareness Month. A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear natural lens of your eye. Cataracts happen when proteins in your lens break down, preventing the light passing through the lens from focusing, which leads to objects around you looking hazy or blurry. Cataracts normally develop in everyone as we age.

Cataracts Impair Eyesight, Affect Lifestyle

Cataracts are easy to diagnose during a routine eye exam. Early symptoms of cataracts may be improved with new glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses, but cataract surgery is the only effective treatment once glasses no longer help. If not treated, cataracts may cause near-complete loss of vision, but even at this level, vision is fully recoverable with surgery.

“Many adults in the U.S. have postponed their medical care and procedures throughout the pandemic, including elective surgeries,” said Indira Venkat, Vice President, Consumer Insights at AARP. “It’s important to keep in touch with your health care providers to maintain good health and wellbeing, especially for older adults who are more likely to have chronic health conditions” (Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation).

Impaired eyesight caused by cataracts can prevent you from living an active lifestyle and doing activities you love with family and friends. Patients with cataracts benefit from readily available, sight-restoring treatment.

IOLs Replace Cloudy Eye Lenses

The U.S. National Eye Institute reports that cataract surgery is one of the safest, most common and most effective surgical procedures performed in the United States. Approximately 4 million cataract surgeries are performed every year in the U.S. and nearly 28 million worldwide (Healio).

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves removing your cloudy lens from your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens called an IOL, or intraocular lens. An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no care.

You and your doctor decide which type of IOL is right for your visual needs and your lifestyle. Examples of IOLs include the following:

  • Monofocal lenses: These offer vision at one distance only (far, intermediate or near). You may still need to wear glasses with these lenses. Medicare or health insurance usually covers the cost.
  • Toric IOLs: These can be used to correct astigmatism. These lenses provide clear distance vision; however, you may still need glasses to read. An extra fee most likely will be added to the cost.
  • Multifocal IOLs: These are designed to help you see near, far and intermediate with as little glasses or contact use as possible. These premium lenses cost more out of pocket but offer you the best chance to see without wearing glasses or contact lenses.

This outpatient surgery only takes a few hours from the time you arrive at your appointment until you are released to go home. The surgery itself generally takes less than 30 minutes, allowing you to return to your life quickly.

If you are experiencing vision problems and think you may have cataracts, don’t delay your care. To get an accurate diagnosis, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your ophthalmologist.

When Is It Time for a Knee Replacement?

by

Do your knees ache when you climb stairs, walk or even lie down? You may have already tried exercise, injections, medications and non-surgical procedures. Your doctor is the best resource for recommending knee replacement, but certain factors may hasten your need for surgery.

Knee replacement, known as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. More than one in 10 Americans will need to have a total knee replacement before turning 80. In the procedure, a surgeon uses metal and plastic to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint.

What Affects the Timing of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Experts from Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California say several factors influence the need for knee replacement surgery:

  1. Age. Most people who get a knee replacement are over 60. Younger people can get a knee replacement, but an active lifestyle may shorten the life of the artificial knee. A second replacement surgery is not as successful as the first in many cases.
  2. Arthritis. Three types of arthritis can affect the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, makes the cartilage in the knees break down. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the synovial membrane and leads to stiffness and pain. Arthritis due to injury is known as traumatic arthritis. All three types of arthritis deteriorate knee cartilage, resulting in knee pain and loss of motion.
  3. Swelling or severe knee pain. Sometimes, knee pain gets so intense that it interferes with daily activities and even sleep.
  4. Knee deformity. Advanced arthritis or injury can cause the knee to be deformed and inhibit walking.
  5. Ineffective non-surgical treatments. Over time, treatments like steroid injections, physical therapy and medication are not as effective, and knee replacement surgery is the best option.

Purpose of Knee Replacement

The purpose of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that are damaged and to alleviate knee pain that other non-surgical methods cannot control. Arthritis or injury can wear away cartilage, and the surface of the knee becomes uneven, eroded and pitted. After the surgeon resurfaces the knee, the patient should experience relief from stiffness, pain and instability. It also should help the body feel more aligned.

How Long Will a Total Knee Replacement Last?

The lifespan of an artificial knee will vary, but an artificial knee joint can last between 15 and 25 years.

In nine out of 10 patients, the artificial knee is functional 20 years post-surgery. Age and physical activity level will affect how well the artificial knee works. Artificial joints tend to last longer in older, less active individuals. However, total knee replacement has a high success rate in younger patients. Your doctor can advise you on the timing that is best for you.

Make an Appointment With Your Orthopedist

If your knee hurts, even when you’re not using it, it’s time to see an orthopedist. You don’t have to live with consistent knee pain. Your orthopedist can meet with you to discuss the pros and cons of knee replacement and suggest a timeline for your treatment.

Taller People May Be at Increased Risk of Colon Cancer

by

Should height be considered when screening for colon cancer? A new meta-analysis published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention suggests taller people may be more likely to develop colon cancer than shorter people.

How Much Does Height Affect Colon Cancer Risk?

A research team at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine examined 47 international studies that included more than 280,000 colon cancer cases and 14,000 cases of adenomas.

The study found that individuals in the highest percentile of height had a 24 percent higher risk of developing colon cancer than individuals in the lowest percentile for height. Individuals increased their risk for colon cancer by 14 percent for every four-inch increase in height.

The average American male is 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and the average American female is 5 feet, 4 inches tall (CDC). Therefore, men who are 6 feet, 1 inch tall and women who are 5 feet, 8 inches tall are 14 percent more likely to develop colon cancer and 6 percent more likely to develop adenomas.

Tallness Overlooked as a Colon Cancer Risk Factor

This is not the first time researchers have considered height in colon cancer risk. Experts have studied height as a non-modifiable risk factor for several cancers, including colon cancer. However, previous studies produced inconsistent results and did not include the risk of precancerous polyps called adenomas.

“This is the largest study of its kind to date,” said study co-author Gerard Mullin, MD, associate professor of gastroenterology and hepatology. “It builds on evidence that taller height is an overlooked risk factor and should be considered when evaluating and recommending patients for colorectal cancer screenings.”

Doctors focus primarily on age and genetic risks for colon cancer, but this study suggests tallness could be just as significant of a risk as lifestyle choices and eating habits.

“There are well-known modifiable dietary associations for colorectal cancer, such as processed red meats and smoking, but guidelines currently are fixated on family history, and height is clinically neglected when it comes to risk screening,” Mullins said.

Body Organ Size May Influence Colon Cancer Risk

How does tallness correlate to increased susceptibility to colon cancer? Researchers suspect taller stature means body organs tend to be larger.

“More active proliferation in organs of taller people could increase the possibility of mutations leading to malignant transformation,” said Elinor Zhou, MD, co-first author of the study. More research on this topic is necessary, but Dr. Zhou suggests taller athletes and those with inherited tallness, like those with Marfan’s syndrome, may need to be screened earlier.

Begin Colonoscopy Screenings at 45

Are you due for a colon cancer screening? Colonoscopy is the gold standard of colon cancer screenings because it allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. It’s the only test that detects and prevents colon cancer.

Most cases of colon cancer are preventable with a routine colonoscopy, beginning at age 45. Call your gastroenterologist and schedule an appointment.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Why to Get Tested for Celiac Disease

by

Even if your symptoms are depression, anxiety, migraines, infertility or other non-stomach issues

It may seem like a “trendy” thing to be gluten-free, but the truth is, nearly 1 in 100 people have Celiac Disease which gluten triggers, bringing on pain and discomfort – and many don’t even know that’s the cause.

Those of us who have Celiac Disease can benefit greatly from reducing or eliminating gluten from our diets – but diagnosing and treating Celiac Disease is important not only because of treating the discomfort, but Celiac Disease can also increase your risk of coronary artery disease and small bowel cancers, along with increasing your chance to have other autoimmune diseases.

That’s why it’s vital to listen to your gut (literally) and get tested if you have symptoms.

What IS Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease, where your body basically attacks the small intestine when it discovers a harmful intruder: Gluten.

Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, and barley – so it’s in a lot of foods and beverages we consume. And even small amounts of gluten can trigger the response in your intestine.

It’s a bit of a family disease, too:  1 in 10 people with it have related family members who also have Celiac Disease.

In addition, Celiac Disease can develop at any age, once you’ve consumed gluten. And it make take a while for you to notice that the symptoms may be those of Celiac Disease. If left untreated, Celiac Disease can lead to a myriad of additional health problems – ones you may not think it could be a trigger of.

A strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment for Celiac Disease, and it’s life-long.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

The symptoms of Celiac Disease vary greatly, and as a result can be difficult to diagnose purely by symptoms – which is why a blood test is the best way to determine if your issues can be cause by Celiac Disease.

Some common symptoms include:

    • Abdominal pain
    • Bloating and gas
    • Cognitive impairment
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
    • Depression and anxiety
    • Fatigue
    • Headaches or migraines
    • Infertility
    • Iron-deficiency anemia
    • Itchy, blistery skin rash
    • Joint pain
    • Missed periods
    • Mouth ulcers and canker sores
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Seizures
    • Weight loss

 In kids, common symptoms can include:

    • Abdominal pain, bloating, and gas
    • Anxiety and depression
    • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities
    • Chronic diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Damage to tooth enamel
    • Delayed puberty
    • Failure to thrive
    • Fatigue
    • Headaches
    • Iron-deficiency anemia
    • Irritability
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Pale, foul-smelling stools
    • Seizures and lack of muscle coordination
    • Short stature
    • Weight loss

Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Since there are many other symptoms of Celiac Disease that you may be seemingly unrelated – such as Vitamin deficiencies, migraines, difficulty losing weight, and others – it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to be tested for Celiac Disease when discussing your ailments…especially if you have a family member that has Celiac Disease.

Get tested now for Celiac Disease

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, we can test you in our offices for Celiac Disease. Contact us today or schedule your appointment online.

 

What Are the Benefits of GI Clinical Trials?

by

Clinical trials in gastroenterology allow gastrointestinal (GI) physicians to evaluate the efficacy of modern and modified treatment approaches, making sure they are safe and effective for individuals of all backgrounds. Volunteering for gastroenterology research trials may provide positive outcomes to people who have not experienced favorable results with available treatment options or patients who would like to help further grow the field of gastroenterology research. Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is delighted to serve as a premier authority for cutting-edge research into GI conditions and diseases. Such clinical research can help those impacted by GI concerns lead an improved quality of life now and over time.

These significant trials are vital to learning how to effectively address a number of distressing GI diseases, cancers, and conditions. If you wish to participate in exploring treatment options for yourself and other patients facing GI concerns, then you might be a candidate for clinical trials. For help with finding a gastroenterology clinical trial in New Orleans, LA, reach out to our team today.

What are GI clinical research trials?

Once an experimental medical device, drug, or treatment has been put through testing in a lab and evaluated in animals to understand how safe and successful it could possibly be in human beings, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may permit clinical research on human participants. Such clinical research is carried out on a broad range of patients in an effort to ascertain whether the new treatment can be allowed for use by the general public. The gastroenterology clinical studies supported by Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates could possibly be analyzing the outcomes of new, experimental medical devices, medications, behavioral interventions, or diets. Clinical studies enable health professionals to discern a treatment’s ideal dosage, possible side effects, and whether or not the treatment is more effective than treatments currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration and on the general market.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for a clinical research study?

Ideal candidates for GI clinical trials may have been diagnosed with a therapy-resistant digestive disorder or disease. Taking part in a gastroenterology clinical research study allows these patients to access treatment approaches that are not yet offered for public use. At certain times, gastroenterology studies might need to include healthy patients as subjects. Healthy individuals may elect to be included in research studies in an effort to help determine ways to treat or prevent a disease that might run in their family. It is important that clinical studies consist of individuals of all ethnicities, age groups, and genders so that the data collected is applicable to a wide range of individuals.

How are gastroenterology clinical trials conducted?

If you are interested in partaking in gastroenterology clinical trials in New Orleans, LA, you should first connect with a GI physician near you. Our team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can help you arrange an appointment with one of our GI specialists. If a clinical trial is being performed, our team will provide detailed information about the study and what the researchers are looking for in their subjects. To determine whether you qualify for the clinical study, the investigative professionals will thoroughly screen you. If accepted, you will most likely be required to fill out a form providing your informed consent and be assessed at an introductory “baseline” consultation. Throughout the scope of the trial, you would return to the study facility as recommended to undergo assessments or evaluations depending on what data the trial is analyzing. You are advised to always present any issues or concerns to the clinical trial staff.

Want to learn more about GI clinical trials in New Orleans, LA?

As an experienced, skilled team of digestive health physicians, Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates strives to offer individuals the most up-to-date information in innovative GI research. Individuals who have not seen success with established treatments, or for whom no current treatment options are in effect, might be good candidates for a clinical trial. If you or a family member has a digestive condition and would like to discover more about undergoing new and emerging treatment methods, reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to learn about gastroenterology clinical trials in New Orleans, LA.

What Are Some Common Stomach Diseases and Conditions?

by

We’ve all had an upset stomach or bowel issues at some point in life. This may occur after consuming a meal, or it might take place as we’re going throughout our day. Nonetheless, frequent abdominal distress or urgent bowel needs could indicate that meeting with a New Orleans, LA gastroenterologist is something to seriously consider. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our experienced team of experts is ready to help you get relief from stomach problems.

Are a lot of people impacted by stomach problems?

Approximately 10 – 15% of adults in the United States are affected by abdominal pain, per the American College of Gastroenterology. Although you might believe a minor belly ache or grumbling is not of concern, it’s advantageous to become familiar with the different kinds of stomach diseases and disorders, and their associated symptoms, so that you know what to look out for. Our GI experts at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates offer specialized treatment options to help relieve discomfort from stomach conditions.

What are common stomach diseases to be aware of?

Several gastrointestinal diseases can exhibit similar symptoms. Seeing a GI doctor is a crucial step that could keep your GI system healthy, happy, and well-maintained throughout your lifetime. Some stomach issues commonly experienced have very similar symptoms, including diarrhea, burning or aching pain in the stomach area, heartburn, queasiness, vomiting, feeling full after eating a small amount, and bloating. If you’ve experienced ongoing pain, stomach concerns that you’re unable to alleviate, or a burning or aching sensation, it’s vital to seek treatment for stomach issues in New Orleans, LA to maintain your health and wellness. Some common stomach diseases are:

  • Gastroparesis
  • Gastric (stomach) cancer
  • Non-ulcer dyspepsia
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastritis

A consultation with the team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can offer the care you need for stomach problems and help you get back to enjoying life in comfort.

When is treatment necessary for stomach problems?

If non-prescription medications are no longer easing your symptoms, and you’ve had ongoing discomfort or constant bowel habits that are unusual, we urge you to visit a gastroenterologist. These practitioners are skilled at helping patients improve the gastrointestinal functionality of everything from the esophagus to the stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon. Their extensive experience allows them to care for a wide range of stomach diseases, ranging from peptic ulcers to gastroenteritis.

Although the treatments for stomach issues and diseases may differ, they generally initiate with an overhaul of your symptoms and go from there based on your unique needs. Meeting with our experienced physicians is the initial step in experiencing relief from stomach concerns.

Find care for stomach issues in New Orleans, LA

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our team of GI doctors is committed to offering treatment that can improve the quality of your life. If you’re dealing with chronic stomach discomfort, frequent bathroom visits, or require complex treatment for stomach cancer, our gastrointestinal specialists in New Orleans, LA have the skills and training to help you along your journey. We don’t want you to have to deal with stomach pain or problems on a daily basis. Please don’t delay. Schedule a visit at our practice today to get the care you need to function normally and in greater comfort.

Celiac Disease Awareness Month: Discover the Signs, Causes, and Treatments

by

Most individuals have heard of the protein known as gluten. These days, it’s common to know some people that follow a gluten-free lifestyle even if you’re not following one in your own life. Having a gluten intolerance, however, could be a sign of a more concerning issue – a health condition known as celiac disease. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, it’s our goal to help individuals recognize the symptoms and signs of celiac disease and learn how to best live with this health problem. There’s no better month to learn about celiac disease signs, symptoms, causes, and treatments than May, recognized as Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Read on to find out additional details about celiac disease from our New Orleans, LA gastroenterology team.

What should I know about celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that results in damage to the small bowel when gluten is consumed. In the presence of this hereditary disease, the body will create an immune reaction following the consumption of gluten that can injure the villi, or the thin fingerlike fringe lining of the small intestine. This prohibits the body from absorbing nutrients properly.

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we want to supply patients with helpful information since approximately 1 out of 100 people suffers from celiac disease. Patients who have celiac disease have a higher risk of developing atherosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) and are four times more likely to get cancer of the small intestine.

What are the signs of celiac disease?

An estimated 2.5 million individuals in the United States are undiagnosed with celiac disease. It’s vital to recognize the symptoms of this condition, as when left untreated, it can result in concerning chronic health issues.

Common symptoms and signs of celiac disease are:

  • Abdominal bloating
  • Gassiness
  • Dental caries
  • Symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
  • Loose stools
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Weakness or fainting
  • Numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis rash, typically on the knees, elbows, or buttocks (called “celiac rash”)

How is celiac disease detected?

The GI doctors at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates carry out screenings for the disease and help those with celiac disease in New Orleans, LA control this condition. To test a patient for celiac disease, our experts will start by obtaining an in-depth family and health history. Given that individuals having an immediate family member with celiac disease possess a 10% chance of being affected by the disease, it is essential to analyze family history first. Following this, our doctors will evaluate symptoms and perform a physical exam. Our physicians may look at the following factors when conducting this exam:

  • Loss of weight
  • Certain sounds emanating from the abdominal area
  • Skin rashes
  • Abdominal swelling or pain

We might also recommend one or more celiac disease tests, which could include blood work, biopsies of a skin rash or the small bowel, DNA testing, and more. Results of these tests may allow for a more in-depth understanding of any symptoms and the possible autoimmune disorders associated with celiac disease.

How is celiac disease treated?

Although celiac disease can lead to serious consequences if left untreated, it can be rather easy to manage. Our doctors will usually suggest a celiac disease treatment of a gluten-free diet, which includes avoiding specific grains, such as barley, wheat, and rye. There is a considerable body of information about gluten-free diets on the Web these days; however, our gastrointestinal specialists advise meeting with a nutritional expert who can help guide this transition, Gluten is frequently found in an array of household items, some of which may seem surprising. A few common things that might have gluten are:

  • Toothpaste
  • Lip gloss or lipstick
  • Play-Doh
  • Certain OTC medications

Get care for celiac disease in New Orleans, LA

Celiac disease really includes far more than having an intolerance to gluten. The condition attacks the small bowel and can lead to ongoing damage in the absence of treatment. If you or a member of your family faces any symptoms of celiac disease or you have a parent or sibling with the condition, please schedule a visit at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to test for celiac disease. To find out more about GI issues or to receive help for celiac disease in New Orleans, LA, get in touch with our GI practice right away.

Have IBD? You May Need More Frequent Colonoscopy Screenings.

by

A new study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had a colonoscopy every one to three years were less likely to be diagnosed with advanced colon cancer.

IBD Increases Colon Cancer Risk

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Although anyone can develop colon cancer, certain risk factors and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. One condition that can increase the risk of colon cancer is IBD, a general term that describes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

There are two types of IBD:

  • Ulcerative colitis — a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the colon
  • Crohn’s disease — a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract lining. Patients with Crohn’s disease may have healthy parts of the intestine as well as inflamed regions in both the small and large bowel.

Colon inflammation can cause a constant turnover of cells in the lining of the intestine, which increases the likelihood of cell irregularities that can result in cancer.

IBD Patients May Need a Colonoscopy Every One to Three Years

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology evaluated how varying colonoscopy intervals affected colon cancer outcomes in patients with IBD. The outcomes evaluated included the following:

  • Stage of colon cancer at the time of detection
  • Colon cancer treatment
  • Mortality

The study showed that “Colonoscopy within three years prior to CRC [colorectal cancer] diagnosis compared with no colonoscopy was less likely to be diagnosed with late tumor stage,” said Hyun-seok Kim, MD, MPH, of Baylor College of Medicine. “Colonoscopy within one year was associated with lower all-cause mortality than no colonoscopy. Our findings support the use of surveillance colonoscopy to improve CRC outcomes in IBD patients” (Healio).

How IBD Patients Can Reduce Risk of Colon Cancer

If you have IBD, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of colon cancer:

  1. See a gastroenterologist at least once per year or if you have any changes in symptoms.
  2. Schedule your colonoscopy at intervals recommended by your gastroenterologist.
  3. Follow all instructions from your GI doctor to prepare for a colonoscopy.
  4. Take prescribed medications as directed, even when your IBD is under control.
  5. Contact your doctor if one of your family members develops colon cancer or precancerous polyps.
  6. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Colonoscopy Is the Gold Standard of Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is highly treatable when doctors find it early. Colonoscopy is the gold standard of colon cancer screening because it is the only test that allows a doctor to detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps in the same procedure. It is the only test that is appropriate for individuals who have a family history of colon cancer.

Make an Appointment for a Colonoscopy

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at 45. Don’t delay in scheduling your colonoscopy. This test is a life-saving procedure, so call your gastroenterologist today and make an appointment for a screening.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Analysis Shows Rise in Osteoarthritis

by

About 58.5 million U.S. adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2040, the CDC reports that the number is expected to increase to 78 million.

During May, which is National Arthritis Awareness Month, the focus is on this chronic joint disease that causes pain, disability and loss of function.

Osteoarthritis occurs most frequently in the hands, hips and knees. Without treatment, this disease may restrict your participation in sports and daily activities with friends and family and cause long-term damage to your joints.

Data Reveal Osteoarthritis Is Higher in Females

A new analysis reveals that in recent decades, osteoarthritis has remained a major public health concern worldwide.

Based on global data from 1990 to 2019, this analysis was published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

The analysis data were collected as part of the Global Burden of Disease study by a consortium of more than 7,000 researchers in more than 156 countries and territories.

“Investigators found that globally, prevalent cases (of osteoarthritis) increased by 113.25 percent from 247.51 million in 1990 to 527.81 million in 2019,” according to the analysis.

“The disease burden of osteoarthritis is formidable,” co–senior author Jianhao Lin, MD, of Peking University People’s Hospital, in China, told Medical Xpress. “Due to population expansion, aging, and the epidemic of obesity, one would expect such a burden would increase in the near future.”

The team also assessed the rates that the population would have if it had a standard age structure or age-standardized prevalence rates (ASRs).

The study showed the ASRs of osteoarthritis increased for knee, hip and other joints but decreased for hands.

The data revealed a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis was found in countries with higher development status. Osteoarthritis was higher in females than in males and increased with age, according to the study.

The analysis also showed osteoarthritis of the hip had the highest estimated annual percentage increases in most regions. And according to the study, osteoarthritis of the knee contributed the most to the overall burden.

“Primary and secondary prevention, including refraining from overweight or obesity, preventing knee injury and avoiding heavy repeated joint-loading activities are effective measures in alleviating the burden,” Lin told Medical Xpress. “In addition, exercise therapy could delay functional loss and should be recommended as core treatment for knee osteoarthritis.”

Don’t Delay Your Joint Care

For individuals with osteoarthritis, the CDC recommends the following activities and exercises to help maintain range of motion:

  • Low-impact aerobic activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercise classes and dancing.
  • Muscle-strengthening exercises like lifting weights, working with resistance bands and yoga.
  • Flexibility exercises like stretching and yoga.
  • Balance exercises like walking backward, standing on one foot and tai chi.

Although exercises and activities can help relieve pain and stiffness, they may not be enough to help with your osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing joint pain, don’t delay your care. Call your orthopedist and make an appointment to help you manage your pain by creating a customized treatment plan.