Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic pain conditions, affecting approximately 32.5 million adults in the U.S. This type of arthritis is more common in women, with 62% of individuals with OA being women, but about 25% of osteoarthritis sufferers experience severe joint pain or back pain that substantially interferes with daily living.
Fortunately, an osteoarthritis specialist can offer some interventions to help relieve that pain.
This Garden State Pain Management article explains the pain of osteoarthritis and how it can be successfully treated by a pain management specialist.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual deterioration of articular cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones within the joints. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to joint pain, back pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased joint mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoarthritis and Pain Management
What Are The Characteristics of Osteoarthritis?
- Cartilage Degradation: The progressive loss of cartilage leads to joint space narrowing and the exposure of subchondral bone.
- Osteophyte Formation: Bone spurs, known as osteophytes, can develop around the joint margins as the body attempts to repair damaged cartilage.
- Synovial Inflammation: The synovium, or the joint lining, can become inflamed and thicken, contributing to joint pain and stiffness.
- Subchondral Sclerosis: The bone beneath the cartilage can become hard and dense, further exacerbating joint pain.
Do I Have Osteoarthritis? Know the Symptoms
The only way to be certain if you have osteoarthritis is to be diagnosed by a physician or specialist. If you are experiencing chronic pain that is impacting your quality of life and doesn’t seem to be improving, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Joint Pain: Typically worsens with joint use and is relieved by rest.
- Back Pain: Osteoarthritis often affects the spine, causing back pain.
- Stiffness: Notably occurs after periods of inactivity, often called “morning stiffness.”
- Swelling: This can be due to synovial fluid accumulation or inflammation.
- Decreased Range of Motion: Limitation in the movement of the affected joints.
- Crepitus: A grating sensation felt when moving the joint, caused by bone rubbing against bone or loose fragments of cartilage.
Which Joints Are Most Often Affected by Osteoarthritis?
- Knees: The primary weight-bearing joints and the knees frequently develop osteoarthritis.
- Hips: The hips are another weight-bearing area prone to degeneration and osteoarthritic pain.
- Hands: The distal and proximal interphalangeal joints are particularly vulnerable to arthritis pain.
- Spine: Arthritis pain often affects the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.
What Are The Most Common Risk Factors for Osteoarthritic Pain?
- Age: The risk of developing this kind of arthritis increases as we age.
- Gender: Osteoarthritis and the pain associated with it are more common in women.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Joint Injury: Previous injuries can predispose to osteoarthritis.
- Genetics: A family history of arthritis can increase risk.
- Occupation: Jobs involving repetitive stress on certain joints.
How Can An Arthritis Pain Management Specialist Help?
An experienced arthritis specialist like Dr. Koppel has many tools and techniques at his disposal to help manage your arthritis pain. They range from advanced medications to physical therapy and other treatments, like those listed below:
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Arthritis
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses injections of a patient’s own blood platelets to promote healing and reduce pain in osteoarthritis. PRP contains growth factors that may help repair damaged cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. Manu patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility with this advanced treatment.
Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis involves injecting stem cells into the affected joint to promote cartilage repair and reduce inflammation. These cells can differentiate into cartilage cells, release anti-inflammatory factors, and improve joint function, potentially providing pain relief and slowing disease progression.
Traumeel and Zeel homeopathic injection
Traumeel and Zeel are homeopathic injections that reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. Traumeel contains botanical extracts like arnica and calendula, while Zeel includes arnica and symphytum. These extracts modulate the immune response and promote tissue healing, relieving joint discomfort and stiffness.
Genicular Nerve Block and Ablation
A genicular nerve block involves injecting anesthetic near knee nerves to relieve osteoarthritis pain temporarily. Genicular nerve ablation uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals, offering longer-lasting relief. Both target the nerves around the knee to reduce pain and improve function.
Peripheral Spinal Cord Stimulation
Peripheral Spinal Cord Stimulation (PSCS) involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, blocking pain signals to the brain. It’s used for chronic arthritis pain when other treatments fail, offering significant pain relief and improved quality of life.
Effective Arthritis Pain Management in Clifton, NJ
New Jersey residents have trusted Garden State Pain Management for over two decades to help them find comfort and recovery.
If you or the one you love is living with osteoarthritis pain, we can help make life more comfortable.
Call us today to schedule your appointment, or you can conveniently book your appointment online.