Osteoarthritis

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops over years of joint movement that gradually wears away the cartilage covering the ends of bones. This cartilage (articular cartilage) reduces friction, allowing smooth movement between the bones.

The bone becomes exposed as the cartilage breaks down. Then, the bones grate against one another when you use the joint, leading to inflammation and pain. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that causes increasing joint damage and problems like bone spurs.

Osteoarthritis usually begins in large joints like your knees and hips, which carry your body weight. However, it can also affect the spine, feet, hands, and shoulders.

What is post-traumatic arthritis?

Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that begins after you sustain a joint injury. The injury triggers cartilage deterioration that happens faster than traditional wear-and-tear arthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Joint pain, stiffness, and limited movement are the hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis. The pain is worse when you’re active and improves with rest. You may also have tenderness around the joint. You could also hear clicking sounds when moving the affected joint.

How is osteoarthritis treated?

At the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, osteoarthritis treatment focuses on easing pain, improving movement, and slowing progressive joint damage.

The tissues break down at a different pace for each person, depending on variables like the activities they engage in and their body weight. However, everyone needs treatment that helps slow the damage and prevent or postpone the need for surgery.

A personalized exercise plan is essential for people with osteoarthritis. Moving the joint increases lubrication and mobility while reducing inflammation and pain.

Your provider also relieves your osteoarthritis symptoms with treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and minimally invasive procedures, including:

Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation, a treatment for osteoarthritis, involves a joint injection containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (the joint’s natural lubricant) may relieve pain and swelling, improve mobility, and slow disease progression.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

PRP injections contain platelets from a sample of your blood. After your provider injects PRP, the platelets release growth factors that promote healing and regeneration in the damaged tissues.

Genicular nerve ablation (GNA)

GNA uses radiofrequency energy to stop signals from traveling through the genicular nerve. This nerve carries pain messages from the knee to the brain. Blocking them reduces your pain.

Seeking early treatment helps maintain a healthy joint longer. Call the nearest office or request a consultation online today.