Osteoarthritis Specialist In Singapore

Dr Wang Lushun

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore)

MRCS (Edin)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)

  • Get active again by treating your osteoarthritis
  • Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon
  • Internationally recognised, more than 1500 surgeries performed

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What is Osteoarthritis?

Hand and wrist osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. The condition affects the 27 bones of the hand and wrist, as well as their joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Osteoarthritis is characterised by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, causing pain and stiffness. Early diagnosis of hand and wrist osteoarthritis is essential for implementing timely and effective treatment strategies, which can help slow down the progression of the disease and preserve joint function.

Symptoms  

Early symptom recognition allows for early diagnosis and treatment and helps avoid subsequent difficulties. Common symptoms of hip impingement include:

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Joint pain

Discomfort during activity or rest, which typically worsens with repetitive use of the affected hand or wrist.

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Stiffness

Limitations in joint flexibility, particularly after periods of inactivity, such as waking up in the morning or sitting for long periods.

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Swelling

Inflammation around the affected joints can cause discomfort and reduced mobility, making it harder for patients to perform daily tasks.

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Reduced range of motion

Difficulty moving hands and wrists due to pain, stiffness, and joint damage, which can impact the ability to grip objects or perform fine motor skills.

Say Goodbye To Hand And Wrist
Osteoarthritis Pain

Restore your wrist’s function and mobility and prevent further damage or complications.
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Does Osteoarthritis Go Away By Itself?

Osteoarthritis does not go away by itself. Over time, the condition may progressively worsen, leading to increased pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Work closely with healthcare professionals to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Causes 

Understanding the causes of Osteoarthritis can help implement preventative measures and tailor treatment plans. The primary causes of Osteoarthritis include:

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Age

Increases the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis as cartilage naturally wears down over time.

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Genetics

Individuals with inherited traits that predispose them to joint degeneration and cartilage damage are more prone to the condition.

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Injury

Past trauma or injury to the hand or wrist may accelerate the development of osteoarthritis.

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Repetitive stress

Prolonged, repetitive use of the hand and wrist can contribute to joint wear and tear.

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Inflammatory conditions

Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the hand and wrist.

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Obesity

Excess body weight can indirectly affect hand and wrist joints by increasing inflammation and stress on joints.

Diagnosis Of Osteoarthritis

If you are experiencing symptoms of Osteoarthritis, your orthopaedic specialist may perform a physical examination to assess pain, swelling, joint stability, and range of motion. Additionally, imaging techniques such as X-rays may be used to help detect joint space narrowing and bone spurs, while MRI scans provide a more detailed evaluation of cartilage, ligament, and tendon damage. These diagnostic tests can determine the extent of your osteoarthritis and help develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Non-surgical Treatment Options

If you are experiencing chronic or severe pain or limitations in your range of motion, seek medical attention.

Non-surgical treatments for Osteoarthritis:

  • Pain management such as medications, injections, and nerve blocks.
  • Physical and occupational therapy can help improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles.
  • Assistive devices such as braces, canes, and orthotics can help support your joints and alleviate pain.

If your pain is severe or has not responded to other treatments, you may need further medical intervention.

 

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatments In Singapore:

  • Joint fusion (arthrodesis): Involves fusing the bones in a joint together to reduce movement and pain. The damaged joint is removed, and metal plates, screws, or rods may be used to hold the bones in place as they fuse together. The healing process typically takes several months, during which time the patient may need to wear a cast or use crutches to limit movement in the affected joint. Joint fusion can be very effective in reducing pain, but it may result in a limited range of motion in the affected joint.
  • Joint replacement (arthroplasty): This surgery involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one. The damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components. Recovery typically involves physical therapy and a gradual increase in activity to regain strength and mobility. Joint replacement can be very effective in reducing pain and improving function but comes with potential risks.

Discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment with your orthopaedic specialist to determine which is the right option for your needs.

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Recovery After Osteoarthritis Treatment

After surgery, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing. This may include wound care, pain management, and physical therapy. Depending on the type of surgery, you may need to limit your activity or use assistive devices for some time. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider.

 

Physical therapy and exercise can be important components of recovery and rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. A physical therapist can create a personalized plan to help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. This may include exercises you can do at home, as well as supervised sessions with a therapist.

 

Modifying your home or workplace to improve accessibility, or learning new ways to perform tasks can help you navigate your daily life after treatment as well.

Prevention of Osteoarthritis

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Lifestyle modifications

Making lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of certain conditions and improve overall health. This may include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress.

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Joint-protecting exercises

Certain exercises can help improve joint health and reduce the risk of injury. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling can be beneficial for maintaining joint health.

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Nutritional support

Proper nutrition is important for overall health and can help support joint health as well. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can provide the nutrients needed for joint health. It may also be beneficial to include supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

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Dr Wang Lushun

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore)

MRCS (Edin)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)

Internationally Recognised & Double Fellowship-Trained Surgeon With Over 18 Years of Experience

  • Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS),
    National University of Singapore
  • Member of The Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS),
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (MMed),
    National University of Singapore
  • Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons in Orthopaedics and Traumatology (FRCS), Edinburgh, United Kingdom

As a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and former Head of the Hip and Knee Division in Ng Teng Fong Hospital, he has won awards for superior patient outcomes (value driven), service quality and enhanced recovery programmes. His patients include current and former national athletes and sporting professionals.

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Why Choose

Dr Wang Lushun?

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Trusted

Leadership on Orthopaedic Advisory Boards

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Skilful

Double Fellowships at Centres of Excellence

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Experienced

Senior Consultant with Over 18 Years of Experience

Patient-Centred Orthopaedic Care

We are dedicated to your recovery and well-being. Every patient deserves the freedom that comes with active living. Whether you're an athlete sidelined by an injury or a weekend hobbyist desperate to return to your passion, our mission is to help you regain your mobility and independence.

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Personalised Approach For Positive Outcomes

Our clinic prioritizes time dedicated to understanding each patient’s injuries and needs. Dr Wang strongly believes that personalised care & patient management will lead to better outcomes & positive experiences.

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Minimally Invasive Techniques For Faster Recovery

Dr Wang’s extensive experience with minimally invasive procedures allows for less scarring, lower risk of complications and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods.

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Aftercare Focused On Restoring Mobility & Well-Being

As an avid sportsperson, Dr Wang understands the time and patience required to regain mobility and return to active living. After your procedure is completed, Dr Wang will make sure your recovery is smooth and comfortable.

Insurance

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We accept all patients, with or without insurance plans. Additionally, we are on the specialist panels of these Health Networks/Insurance Plans. Please contact us if you have any queries and we will be happy to assist you in checking with your insurance provider.

Our Clinic Locations

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3 Mount Elizabeth, #13-14
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
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820 Thomson Road, Mount Alvernia Hospital, #05-51, Medical Centre D, Singapore 574623
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