Osteoarthritis Specialist

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that develops as everyday wear-and-tear gradually erodes cartilage. Cartilage is a rubbery substance covering the ends of bones in the joints. It allows the bones to move smoothly and prevents one bone from irritating the other.

The cartilage begins to wear down due to daily movement and pressure placed on the joint. As it progressively degenerates, more bone is exposed. Before long, bone rubs against bone, causing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Over time, osteoarthritis causes inflammation in the joint, and the constant bone irritation leads to bone spurs. Ongoing inflammation can lead to further joint damage as it erodes the exposed bone.

What symptoms develop due to osteoarthritis?

The characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis are:

• Painful, aching joint
• Stiffness, especially after resting
• Tenderness when you apply pressure
• Loss of flexibility
• Limited movement
• Grinding sensation when using the joint

Though osteoarthritis can develop in any joint, it most often affects the large joints that support your body weight: your knees and hips.

How do you treat osteoarthritis?

The Valdosta Orthopedic Associates team customizes your treatment to alleviate your pain, reduce inflammation, maintain joint mobility, and slow down degeneration. 

When you have osteoarthritis, you don’t feel like moving the joint, yet exercise is the key to keeping it as healthy as possible.

Your treatment may start with a joint injection to relieve your pain. An injection makes it easier for you to participate in the structured exercise recommended by the team.

Viscosupplementation is an injection of hyaluronic acid, which is normally produced in your joint and serves as a natural lubricating fluid. You may also be a good candidate for other joint injections, including cortisone and prolotherapy.

The team also offers osteopathic manipulation, which uses many hands-on techniques to stretch soft tissues, boost blood flow, improve range of motion, and reduce your pain. 

They also talk with you about different aspects of your life that influence the health of your joints, such as nutrition and weight. If you’re overweight, one of the best ways to prevent and relieve knee osteoarthritis is to lose weight. 

If you need comprehensive care for osteoarthritis, call Valdosta Orthopedic Associates or schedule an appointment online.