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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 Ukraine 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 Ukraine 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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Ukraine offers a favorable cost of living, which may be a strong draw for why one should consider exploring it. In particular, its capital city of Kiev ranks high among the list of economical European capitals. This affordability impacts various aspects from food, drinks to sightseeing, transport, and accommodations, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
An added intrigue of Ukraine, specifically Kiev, is in how its affordable rates do not compromise the quality of the experience. Rather, it enhances the encounter as it leaves room to sample more of what the city has to offer. Amidst the cost-effectiveness, the country still presents a rich collection of attractions that are worthwhile. These span from convenient transport systems, diverse culinary options, alluring sightseeing spots to suitable lodging facilities. So, not only do you get to save money, but you also extravagant value while navigating through this remarkable city.
Ukraine is a growing magnet for health tourists, with a rise in individuals journeying for Osteoarthritis Treatment services. The option to access private dental care, cosmetic procedures, and a diverse range of medical treatments at a fraction of what they would cost in one's home country makes it incredibly appealing. Further, the absence of extensive waiting lists is another attractive feature.
Added to these, Ukraine's reputation is rapidly gaining traction on the international front as a premier hub for laser eye surgery. The country is carving an image for itself as a pioneer in eye care, offering innovative and state-of-the-art laser vision correction techniques. Thus, the country isn’t just a destination for affordable services, but also for quality specialized treatments at the forefront of modern medical technology.
Boasting a diverse populace of approximately 42.5 million residents, Ukraine stands as an expansive and multicultural nation that happens to be the biggest geographically within Europe’s borders. The country's lush forests create the feeling of an unspoiled, yet to be unveiled paradise. The breathtaking landscape combined with the stunning architectural feats create aesthetically pleasing vistas, which are a key part of Ukraine’s appeal.
It's important to consider that travel advisories from authorities such as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against traveling to regions like Crimea, Donetsk, and Lugansk. As a traveler, it's crucial to stay updated on such notifications and follow relevant guidance from your respective government before planning a journey. Ensure you are well-informed about local situations and regulations to ensure your safety and security while traveling.
Ukraine predominantly experiences a moderate climate, with an intriguing exception. The southern coastline of Crimea stands out with its delightful subtropical weather. This distinct climate pattern adds to the region's charm, making it distinct from the broader Ukrainian weather trends.
Ukraine's summers tend to kick off in June and extend until September. During this period, temperatures fluctuate within the range of 19 – 25 °C, underlining agreeable weather conditions. The days are typically long, sunny, and warm, sporadically met with occasional rain showers. With such favorable weather, it comes as no surprise that summer is the peak of tourist activity in Ukraine.
Transitional seasons - spring and autumn - are characterized by mild temperatures. However, they are also the seasons with the most rainfall. Spring, in particular, brings a colorful impact on Ukraine's cities with blossoming plants painting a vibrant landscape.
Winter, on the other hand, introduces a colder climate with notable snowfall, particularly in the northeastern regions. The average temperature ranges from 5 to -3 °C during this time, creating a winter wonderland that contrasts to the warm and vibrant seasons.
Boryspil International Airport is the largest airport in Ukraine. Located 29km east of Kyiv, the airport serves domestic flights and has international connections with major cities in Europe and a few cities in Asia. Boryspil International Airport is the hub for Ukraine International Airlines and serves several budget airlines including Lauda, Ryanair, and SkyUp airlines. There are two other airports that serve international and domestic flights: Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport and Odessa International Airport.
Tourists can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle bus to get to the city center. Airport taxis use meters and are comfortable. Some taxis even accept payment by credit cards. Buses are also a great option to get to the city center, Sky Bus takes tourists from Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv and departs from Terminal D and Terminal B. Sky Bus should cost around 60 UAH or 100 UAH depending on the destination.
To visit different cities, domestic flights are inexpensive and will speed up long distance journeys. The fastest way to get around big cities is the minibusses or subway (known as Metro). Minibusses follow routes that the regular bus travels on. Tourists can flag minibusses and ask them to stop at other places that are not the specified bus stops. The fare is fixed no matter how far your destination is.
Taxis are easily available in big cities. Most taxis don’t use a meter but taxi drivers usually don’t cheat. A long trip in Kyiv usually cost around 70 UAH. Shortstops start from 15 to 20 UAH. Tourists can also order a taxi by phone, although most taxi operators do not speak English. Locals usually are happy to help order a taxi for tourists.
Driving in Ukraine by car or motorcycle is another option to explore the country, but the roads are bad and the signs are written in Ukrainian (Cyrillic alphabet) only. Road policeman is one of the biggest disadvantages as they usually request a small bribe when they stop tourists.
Individuals hailing from countries like the European Union, Canada, and the United States, among others, enjoy the liberty of staying in Ukraine visa-free for a span of up to 90 days. However, citizens of certain other nations like China, India, and Thailand are required to secure a visa prior to setting foot in the country. To defend against any potential misunderstanding or complications, it is wise to verify visa obligations and specifics from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine's website before planning a trip.
Certain provisions are in place for tourists that allow visa-on-arrival options at major airports and seaports. In addition, an e-Visa system is operational for citizens from 52 designated countries, rendering the process more streamlined. It is mandatory for all visitors to possess a passport that remains valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the expected date of exit from Ukraine. Moreover, this passport should have at least two pages that are devoid of any visas, marks, or stamps. These regulations ensure a smooth immigration process, avoiding any potential complications during travel.
Additional Information about Visas: