Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of joint pain.  It is often called wear and tear arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to joint pain and stiffness. Patients can also note swelling of the joint secondary to the degenerative process and local inflammation.Common joints affected by osteoarthritis include the knees, hips, hands, feet, back, and neck.

The providers at AOCC are well-trained and experts in osteoarthritis management. The initial step is to determine what kind of arthritis you are suffering from. Diagnosing osteoarthritis requires a physical examination and imaging like an X-ray or ultrasound. We also use blood work to rule out other forms of arthritis prior to determining a treatment plan.

Several oral medications can be used to control osteoarthritis symptoms, including acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Your primary care physician can manage mild cases of osteoarthritis. Topical medicine also can be very helpful.

Depending on the evaluation, joint injections with corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid might be needed. Personal measures, including losing weight for overweight patients and trying to stretch and exercise, can be very helpful. We also work with physical therapists to improve joint range of movement and quality of life.

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