Osteoarthritis Specialist

Advanced Spine and Pain Centers

Orthopedic Specialists & Pain Management Specialists located in Stafford, VA & Fairfax, VA

If you’re suffering from painful, swollen joints, you may be one of the 27 million Americans living with osteoarthritis. There are several treatment options available at any of the Advanced Spine and Pain Center locations throughout Fairfax County, VA, Stafford, VA & the Greater Baltimore, MD Area. The experienced doctors have extensive training in the treatment of osteoarthritis and pain management through minimally invasive therapies. Stop suffering from chronic joint pain: Schedule your consultation online now.

Osteoarthritis Q&A

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common disease that affects your joints. In healthy joints, cartilage covers the ends of your bones by providing a smooth surface for movement. The cartilage also cushions your bones.

As you age, cartilage breaks down allowing bones to rub together. You experience discomfort and pain when your joints move or become swollen.

Pain also occurs as your bones start breaking down. Spurs grow along the bone, causing more irritation in the joint. You may also experience considerable swelling when cartilage or bone fragments break off and float around the joint, as your body triggers an emergency response to the “foreign” materials.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis affects your joints and causes stiffness, pain, and swelling throughout your body. While the condition may affect any joint in your body, you may feel the most stiffness and pain in your:

Lower back
Neck
Knees
Hips
Fingers

The base of your thumb and your big toe are also common locations for osteoarthritis pain. You may even have a limited range of movement in the affected joints.

Who is at risk for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis risks increase as you age. Women are more likely to develop the condition than men. Osteoarthritis may develop in younger people due to genetics or congenital disabilities.

Other factors influencing your risk for osteoarthritis include:

Obesity
Accidents
Injuries
Occupation

What is the treatment for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, and you can expect the condition to worsen. Associated joint pain and stiffness may make it difficult for you to perform your job or accomplish your daily tasks.

Your doctor performs a physical examination of your affected joints and may initially recommend pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to ease your joint pain. Your doctor may also suggest physical therapy to increase your joint flexibility.

If these treatments don’t provide relief from osteoarthritis pain, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive procedures like stem cell therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to regenerate damaged tissue cells and promote natural healing.

Your doctor may suggest steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain in your swollen joints. They may also recommend viscosupplementation treatment that involves weekly injections of concentrated hyaluronic acid to lubricate affected joints and improve their shock absorption ability.

For severe osteoarthritis conditions, your doctor may perform a total joint replacement surgery.

What we offer