Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that wears down the protective cartilage on bones. This disorder primarily affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine, and usually worsens if conservative and interventional treatment is not sought to slow its progression.
Learn about your treatment options
The first step in treating your pain is to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms. Based on your diagnosis, you and your doctor can determine your best treatment options. At The Pain Center, we offer traditional and state-of-the-art therapies to treat your pain and help get you back to your normal activities.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
The most common cause of osteoarthritis is aging. As the body ages, the cartilage cushioning the ends of joints naturally deteriorate, forcing the joints to rub against bone. Although the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, there are other factors that may contribute to its development and progression. Some of these risk factors may include:
- Obesity
- Joint Injuries
- Genetics
- Bone deformities
- Diabetes
- Gout
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis may develop gradually and worsen as time passes. Signs or symptoms of osteoarthritis typically include pain and tenderness of the affected joints, in addition to some of the following:
- Joint stiffness most often in the morning or during physical activity
- Decrease in flexibility
- Reduction in range-of-motion
- Grating sensations when moving the affected joint
- Bone spurs that feel like hard lumps around the affected joint
A pain management specialist should evaluate symptoms lasting longer than a few weeks or months.
How to Treat Osteoarthritis
Because there is no cure for osteoarthritis, treatment may include a combination of treatment methods to reduce pain, decrease inflammation and maintain joint movement. Osteoarthritis may benefit from the following interventional treatment options:
Get the care you need within 24 hours*
We know when you’re looking for relief for your chronic pain, you can’t wait any longer than you already have. This is why we can schedule you with an appointment within 24 hours at most of our pain centers across the Valley, so you can start your journey to life-long pain relief as soon as tomorrow.