What is Joint Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, commonly known as wear and tear arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body. It commonly occurs in the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine

Medications, physical therapy, and sometimes interventions can help reduce pain and maintain joint movement. Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones in normal joints. Its main function is to reduce friction in the joints and serve as a “shock absorber.” The shock-absorbing quality of normal cartilage comes from its ability to change shape when compressed (flattened or pressed together).

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Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in a joint to become stiff and lose its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in some areas, greatly decreasing its ability to act as a shock absorber. As the cartilage deteriorates, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. If the condition worsens, the bones could rub against each other.

Joint Osteoarthritis, also known as wear and tear arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. This condition can occur in almost any joint in the body but commonly affects the weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and spine.

Pain reduction and the maintenance of joint movement can be achieved through medications, physical therapy, and sometimes interventions. Cartilage is a firm and rubbery material that covers the ends of bones in healthy joints. Its primary function is to reduce friction in the joints and act as a shock absorber. The shock-absorbing ability of healthy cartilage comes from its ability to change shape when compressed, flattened, or pressed together.

Osteoarthritis stiffens the cartilage in joints and makes it lose its elasticity, rendering it more vulnerable to damage. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in specific areas, significantly reducing its ability to absorb shock. As the cartilage deteriorates, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. If the condition progresses, the bones could rub against each other, causing further discomfort.

What are some treatments of Joint Osteoarthritis?

The Ramos Center provides several treatments for Joint Osteoarthritis. We typically recommend beginning with the most conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, behavioral health, or clinical hypnotherapy. Interventional treatments, such as injections and radiofrequency ablations, may also be considered. Your healthcare provider will review various treatment options with you and determine the best course of action based on the type of pain you are experiencing and your anatomical characteristics.