Doctor evaluating patient symptoms for Osteoarthritis diagnosis at Mountain Spine & Orthopedics
Condition/Condition Details

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common 'wear-and-tear' joint condition caused by the breakdown of protective cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Experiencing Osteoarthritis Pain?

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About Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, often called 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down over time. This can affect any joint but is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. As cartilage thins, bones can rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and the formation of bone spurs. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our assessment includes a focused exam and complimentary imaging to create a personalized treatment plan.

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Patients often notice a deep, aching joint pain that worsens after activity, along with morning stiffness, swelling, and a grinding or crunching sensation during movement. In advanced stages, it can lead to joint deformity and instability.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common 'wear-and-tear' joint condition caused by the breakdown of protective cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Are There Specific Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis?

Key risk factors include advancing age, a history of joint trauma or surgery, obesity (which overloads weight-bearing joints), and a genetic predisposition to cartilage weakness. Repetitive occupational or athletic stress can also accelerate cartilage wear.

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis?

Our diagnostic process includes a thorough physical exam and imaging studies. We offer complimentary MRI reviews and weight-bearing X-rays to visualize cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint space narrowing. In some cases, we may use ultrasound to detect inflammation or perform a guided aspiration to analyze joint fluid, ensuring a precise diagnosis.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis?

Initial management centers on conservative care, including patient education, weight optimization, low-impact aerobic and strengthening exercises, and activity modifications. For pain relief, we may recommend anti-inflammatory medication or image-guided corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections. For persistent symptoms, our surgeons offer advanced options, including arthroscopic procedures or joint replacement using minimally invasive techniques to speed recovery.

Does Osteoarthritis Cause Pain?

Osteoarthritic pain typically surfaces during or after activity and may linger as a dull ache at night. Our specialists blend targeted injections, regenerative biologics, bracing, and muscle-balancing exercises to break the cycle of inflammation and mechanical stress, producing durable pain relief.

What Can Patients Do to Prevent It?

Maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in a balanced strength and flexibility training program, correcting any biomechanical malalignment, and addressing acute joint injuries promptly can help slow cartilage degradation and preserve long-term joint function.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If joint pain or stiffness is limiting your lifestyle, schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics today. Receive a complimentary MRI review and expert second opinion to move forward with a personalized plan to manage your osteoarthritis.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer osteoarthritis evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear of the cartilage, affecting specific joints asymmetrically. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease attacking the joint lining, often affecting joints symmetrically.

Can you rebuild cartilage lost to osteoarthritis?

No, cartilage cannot typically be regrown once lost. Treatments focus on preserving remaining cartilage and managing pain through injections (hyaluronic acid) and therapy.

Is walking good for osteoarthritis?

Yes. While it may seem counterintuitive, low-impact walking keeps joints lubricated and strengthens the muscles that support them, reducing overall pain.

When should I consider joint replacement for osteoarthritis?

Joint replacement, such as total hip replacement, is recommended when pain interferes with daily life (sleep, walking) and conservative treatments like injections and therapy no longer provide relief.

Does weather really affect arthritis pain?

Yes. Drops in barometric pressure can cause tissues in the joints to expand slightly, irritating nerve endings and increasing pain in arthritic joints.