What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, caused by the gradual breakdown of protective cartilage between the joints. Without adequate cartilage, bones rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it is most common in the:
- Shoulders
- Knees
- Hips
- Hands
- Spine
Since osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, symptoms often worsen over time. However, OPS Surgery Center offers advanced, non-surgical treatments designed to slow disease progression and alleviate pain.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms typically develop gradually, becoming more severe over time. Common signs include:
- Joint pain that worsens with movement
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Swelling and tenderness around the affected joint
- Reduced range of motion, making daily activities more difficult
If left untreated, osteoarthritis can significantly impact mobility and reduce quality of life.
If you're experiencing joint pain, contact OPS Surgery Center for expert care.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
OPS Surgery Center provides comprehensive, customized treatment plans based on the severity of your symptoms and affected joints.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
- Weight management to relieve stress on weight-bearing joints
Advanced Regenerative Therapies
For cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, we offer cutting-edge regenerative medicine options, including:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses your own growth factors to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Stem Cell Therapy – Encourages tissue regeneration to slow cartilage degeneration and restore joint function.
Our goal is to provide long-term pain relief and improved mobility without relying on invasive surgery.
Other Types of Arthritis
While osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear, other forms of arthritis result from autoimmune disorders, where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. These include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Lupus-related Arthritis
These conditions cause chronic inflammation, joint damage, and systemic symptoms that require specialized treatment.
This type of arthritis, also called "degenerative joint disease," is a breakdown of the cartilage in your hip joint. As this protective cartilage wears away, bone rubs against bone. Bony growths called "bone spurs" may form in the joint. Pain from osteoarthritis can keep you from being as active as you like.
Knee pain may keep you from being as active as you like. And it may come from a gradual breakdown of your knee's cartilage. That's a protective tissue on the ends of your bones. In a healthy knee, the bones glide smoothly against each other. But in a knee with osteoarthritis, cartilage begins to wear away. Bone rubs against bone. Bony bumps we call "bone spurs" may form.
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, is a gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue that protects the ends of bones in the joints. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder can severely impact a person's lifestyle.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Arthritis
Autoimmune arthritis can cause widespread joint pain and systemic issues, such as:
- Pain and stiffness in multiple joints
- Joint swelling and tenderness
- Chronic fatigue
- Fever and anemia
Diagnosis & Treatment of Autoimmune Arthritis
Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing severe joint damage and systemic complications. At OPS Surgery Center, we use:
- Blood tests to detect inflammatory markers and genetic predisposition
- Comprehensive physical exams to assess joint function and pain levels
Treatment strategies focus on reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression, including:
- Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications
- Targeted biologic therapies
- Lifestyle modifications for joint protection
OPS Surgery Center is committed to helping you manage arthritis with personalized, state-of-the-art care. Schedule a consultation today!
