Because exercise is painful for so many adults with arthritis, it may be hard to understand how exercise helps to actually relieve pain. Regular exercise can decrease stiffness and strengthen the muscles that support your joints.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the hip joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of hip problems.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This richly illustrated animation explains the anatomy of the knee joint and describes the physical changes that occur in an osteoarthritic knee.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
This animation explains the anatomy of the ball-and-socket hip joint and describes the physical changes that occur in an osteoarthritic hip.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Sometimes called "wear-and-tear" arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common condition that many people develop during middle age or older. It can occur in any joint in the body, but most often develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
In a knee osteotomy, either the tibia (shinbone) or femur (thighbone) is cut and then reshaped to relieve pressure on the knee joint. Knee osteotomy is used when a patient has early-stage osteoarthritis that has damaged just one side of the knee.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Cervical spondylosis, commonly called arthritis of the neck, is the medical term for the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the cervical spine (neck) over time. The condition is common—but many people with cervical spondylosis experience no noticeable symptoms| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Millions of Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, an often painful condition in which the cushioning cartilage between bones wears away. Many are trying new therapies and dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in their search for relief.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
If you break a bone in your leg or foot, have a procedure on your knee or lower leg, or suffer a stroke, your doctor may recommend that you use a walking aid while you are healing or recovering. This resource offers tips on using crutches, a cane, or a walker safely.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
During knee arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the small bones of the spine (vertebrae). It is essentially a "welding" process. The basic idea is to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and the major types that affect the knee are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatment options to help relieve pain and stay active.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (pronounced en-saids), are the most prescribed medications for treating conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. Over-the-counter, nonprescription NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.| orthoinfo.aaos.org