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Osteoarthritis is a condition that arises when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of the bone wears down over time. It can damage any joint, but it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hands, spine, and hips. This condition is the most common form of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that cannot be cured. However, several treatments are available to manage your symptoms and help you move better. Treatment options include medications, knee injections, therapy, and surgery.
Knee injections
For people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, an artificial joint fluid injection can be an option. The fluid lubricates and cushions the joint so it can move more easily. Your doctor may give you a single-dose injection into your knee joint, or you may need a series of injections.
Corticosteroids Injections
Injections of corticosteroid medications can reduce inflammation, decreasing pain, and swelling in joints. Your doctor will usually give corticosteroids by injection. During corticosteroid injections, the area around your joint is numbed. Then, the doctor places a needle into space within the joint and injects the medication. The number of injections you can receive is usually limited to three or four injections per year.
Therapy
Physical therapy – a physical therapist can work with you to develop an exercise regimen that suits your needs. The exercise regimen can help reduce pain, improve muscle strength, improve balance and gait, and increase the range of motion of the stiff joints. If you need any additional help, physical therapists can also help you learn to use assistive devices, such as braces, splints, and shoe inserts. Also, your physical therapist can show you how to use canes or walkers.
Occupational therapy – an occupational therapist can help you find new ways to do everyday tasks without putting extras stress on your painful joints. For instance, if you have knee osteoarthritis, using a bench in the shower could help relieve the pain of standing.
Surgery
Severe cases of osteoarthritis may need surgery to repair or repair the damaged joints. There are some types of surgery that can be used, including:
Joint replacement – also known as arthroplasty, this procedure involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with prosthetic made from metal or plastic. The most common types of joint replacement are knee and hip replacements.
Arthroscopic surgery – during this surgery, damaged or torn cartilage is trimmed from a joint. In some cases, doctors use this procedure to remove bone spurs. The procedure is performed using an arthroscope, which is a small tube with a small camera on its end.
Bone realignment – the type of surgery used to realign bones that are damaged by arthritis is called an osteotomy. In a knee osteotomy, your surgeon makes an incision across the bone either below or above the knee. Then, a wedge of bone is added or removed. This is done to shift your body weight away from the worn-out part of the knee.
Your length of stay in Croatia can vary, depending on the type of treatment you undergo. For knee and corticosteroid injection, you may be able to leave for home the next day. If you have physical and/or occupational therapy, your length of stay depends on how many visits are needed for your case. On average, you may need to stay in Croatia for 4 to 8 weeks for therapy. With surgery, you need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 5 days, and stay at least 7 to 10 more days in the area after you are discharged.
The severity of your osteoarthritis, the type of treatment you have, as well as your age and general health, determines your recovery time. For knee injections, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, you should be able to return to your normal activities as soon as you feel ready and you when you do not experience any symptoms that interfere with your ability to do daily tasks. With surgeries, you may be able to resume most activities, including work, within 6 weeks. However, it may take around 6 months until you are 100% recovered.
Your doctor should give you detailed aftercare that you will need to follow. If you undergo surgery, the aftercare may include:
Take pain medicine as directed
Rest between activities as needed
Elevate and put cold packs on the affected area
Try home exercise (as recommended by your surgeon).
It is important that you follow the instructions your doctor gives you to help you heal quickly and to avoid further complications.
The success rate varies for each treatment type. Osteoarthritis treatment is known to be highly successful in providing pain relief, keeping mobility, and improving quality of life. However, there are still some side effects and risks you need to be aware of, especially with injections and surgery. These include:
Worsening joint damage
Infections
Blood clots
Wearing out of artificial joints
Limited range of motion in the joint.
Sometimes, lifestyle and home remedies are enough to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. You can try low-impact exercise and lose some weight to reduce pain and relieve some pressure. You can also consider movement therapies, assistive devices, and acupuncture as the alternatives to osteoarthritis treatment.
Before osteoarthritis treatment, you may feel pain in the affected joint that prevents you from doing your daily activities and stops you from enjoying the activities you love. After treatment, the pain should be relieved and you should be able to move better.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Despite its relatively small size, Croatia presents a striking geographical diversity. It undoubtedly has a unique charm for those indulging in fantasies of an idyllic beach holiday. Being home to a vast stretch of seafront that spans thousands of miles and an intriguing archipelago with hundreds of islands, Croatia upholds a significant appeal for lovers of sun, sand, and surf.
Beyond its appealing coastlines, Croatia encompasses much more in its terrains. The expanse of the country is dotted with rugged, dramatic mountains that serve as the perfect backdrop to ancient towns that are enclosed within historical walls. The country is rich in untouched national parks that are truly a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
You also get a glimpse of regal history through majestic castles that mark the Croatian landscape. The icing on the cake is its fantastic cuisine that adds a flavorful dimension to one's experiences. Last but not least, the impressive Roman ruins scattered across the country are a testament to its astonishing historical heritage, enticing history buffs worldwide to explore Croatia.
Although Croatia is a newcomer to the medical tourism sector, the demand for medical services in the country by foreign patients is increasing. Its strong growth is largely driven by the high cost of private care and long waiting times in public healthcare in countries such as the UK and the US. Croatia is known to have affordable, top-quality treatments performed by highly qualified medical professionals. Also, medical centers in the country have modern equipment, friendly staff, and exceptional services.
Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia, is a vibrant city that boasts a blend of verdant parks, unconventional art galleries, and enticing museums. Even though the city pulsates with modern energy, its scenery stands distinguished by an array of neo-baroque and art deco buildings that impart a unique architectural charm.
The vibrant city of Zagreb brims with an eclectic mix of attractions that can appeal to a wide range of tastes and interests. One such unique point of interest is the Museum of Broken Relationships. This peculiar museum offers an offbeat exploration into the vestiges of love that has ended, providing a distinctively intimate glimpse into personal stories of heartbreak.
Another notable site that significantly attracts visitors is the serene Mirogoj. Not just an ordinary cemetery, Mirogoj stands out as one of the finest architectural gems in Croatia, offering a peaceful retreat within the lively cityscape. Balancing modern dynamics with a deep-rooted cultural heritage, Zagreb indeed offers engaging facets for every type of traveler.
The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, standing as a symbol of the country’s rich artistic history, is a must-visit for art aficionados. Further, the bustling Dolac Market is the city's epicentre for fresh produce where locals and tourists alike converge. Rounding off the list is the Funicular Railway, another essential experience that offers a charming way to take in Zagreb's panoramic views.
Those who want to enjoy Croatian’s famous beaches and explore ancient monuments should visit Dubrovnik. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this city has a giant walled Old Town, stunning mountains, and idyllic beaches.
Croatia's summer season, extending from July to August, is characterized by lovely warm weather and dry conditions, with a generous sprinkling of sunshine across most days. Transition seasons such as spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) also offer a fairly warm and agreeable climate, making them pleasant times to visit. However, the spring season can sometimes bring increased rainfall.
On the other hand, winters in Croatia, particularly in January, can dip into colder temperatures. This chill factor is more pronounced in areas of higher elevations, where it's common to witness snowy landscapes. Each season in Croatia brings with it a distinctive climate and charm, shaping the country's scenic beauty in different ways throughout the year.
As the calendar flips over to the cooler months, the Croatian landscape transitions from sun-kissed beaches to frost-laden terrains, especially in the elevated regions of the country. Here, it is not unusual to see snowfall, adding a whole new dimension to Croatia's captivating beauty. Still, regardless of the weather, Croatia retains its charm, offering visitors an array of unique experiences all year round. The country's seasonal moods only add to its diverse appeal, ensuring that there's always something beautiful to see or experience, making Croatia a truly year-round destination.
Zagreb Airport claims the title of being the largest and most frequented international airport in Croatia. This bustling transport hub is where the majority of global explorers set foot in the country.
The airport operates a host of both regular and seasonal air services that connect Zagreb to numerous metropolises worldwide. Notable among these are Paris, Toronto, London, Barcelona, Dubai, and Seoul, further emphasising Zagreb Airport's significance in global travel.
There are good transport options in Croatia. Domestic flights are the fastest option to get around, though they can be a bit expensive. The bus network is run by a lot of different companies and is generally comfortable.
The Croatian Railways has a reasonably efficient service and is cheaper than buses, but they are slower and less frequent. There is a large network of catamarans and car ferries. In major cities, the main form of transport is buses. Taxis are available and are expensive.
EU nationals, Canadian, Australian, British, and US nationals do not need to apply for a visa to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days. While Croatia is not yet a member of the Schengen area, holders of Schengen visas to enter the country without having to apply for an additional visa.
Tips for applying for a tourist visa to Croatia: