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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people. It develops as the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears, from a combination of genetics, aging, excess weight, and past injury or overuse. It is more common in older adults but can affect younger people too. Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow progression.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

In a healthy joint, smooth cartilage covers the ends of the bones and lets them glide with little friction. In osteoarthritis, that cartilage gradually thins and roughens. The bone underneath reacts by thickening and forming bone spurs (osteophytes), and the joint lining can become inflamed.
 
The result is pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion. Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and it tends to progress slowly over years.

Treatments For Osteoarthritis

A variety of orthopedic treatments are available. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow the progression of the disease.

Non-surgical care

  • Physical therapy. Improves flexibility, strength, and joint mobility.
  • Medication. NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Lifestyle changes. A healthy weight, fewer repetitive movements, and assistive devices.
  • Joint injections. Reduce inflammation in a painful joint.
  • Regenerative treatments. PRP and stem cell options for selected patients.

Surgical options

  • Arthroscopy. Removes damaged cartilage or bone spurs through small incisions.
  • Osteotomy. Reshapes bone to shift load and improve alignment.
  • Joint replacement. Replaces the damaged joint with a prosthetic one.
  • Knee replacement. Minimally invasive replacement for knee OA.

Surgical options are considered in severe cases of joint damage, after conservative care.

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How Osteoarthritis is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a history of symptoms and a physical examination of the joint for swelling, tenderness, crepitus (grinding), and range of motion. X-rays show joint space narrowing and bone spurs. MRI may be used to assess cartilage and soft tissues, and blood tests can rule out other forms of arthritis.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging, answer your questions, and help point you toward effective treatment.
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Osteoarthritis diagram comparing a normal joint with cartilage destruction

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is believed to develop from a combination of factors. Common risk factors include:

Aging

Cartilage becomes less resilient over time.

Genetics

A family history raises the risk.

Excess body weight

Adds load to the knees and hips.

Prior joint injury

Fractures, ligament tears, and meniscus injuries.

Overuse

Repetitive stress from work or sports.

Joint alignment

Uneven alignment concentrates wear in one area.

How Osteoarthritis Progresses

Osteoarthritis usually progresses slowly. Treatment is matched to the stage.

Early

Mild wear

Occasional aching after activity; managed with exercise and weight control.

Moderate

Cartilage thinning

More frequent pain and stiffness; therapy, medication, and injections.

Advanced

Bone-on-bone

Daily pain and lost motion; joint replacement may be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease in which the smooth cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones gradually wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Which joints does osteoarthritis affect?

Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, although it can develop in any joint.

What causes osteoarthritis?

It develops from a combination of factors, including genetics, aging, excess body weight, and a history of joint injury or overuse.

Can osteoarthritis be reversed?

Cartilage loss cannot be reversed, but treatment can reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow progression. Many patients stay active for years with an appropriate plan.

Is exercise good for osteoarthritis?

Yes. Low-impact exercise and physical therapy improve strength, flexibility, and joint mobility, and are among the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis.

When is joint replacement considered for osteoarthritis?

Joint replacement is considered when osteoarthritis has severely damaged a joint and pain limits daily life despite conservative care. Total Spine and Orthopedics offers minimally invasive hip and knee replacement.

What is an osteotomy?

An osteotomy reshapes or removes part of a bone to shift load away from a damaged area of the joint and improve alignment. It is an option for selected, usually younger, patients.

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

A physical examination and X-rays showing joint space narrowing and bone spurs usually confirm the diagnosis. To schedule an evaluation in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), or Titusville, call (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of OA vary with its severity and the joint affected. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain: a dull ache that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting.
  • Swelling and inflammation in the joint.
  • Limited range of motion that makes daily tasks harder.
  • A grinding or crackling sensation when the joint moves.
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Related Conditions

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Arthritis Of The Spine

Arthritis is one of the most common types of disorders experienced by older people, with some estimates stating that as many as 67 million people may suffer from some form of arthritis by the year 2025. Arthritis can affect many different parts of the body and the spine is unfortunately not immune. This type of arthritis is typically known as arthritis of the spine and its onset can cause or worsen a variety of other issues that can cause neck and back pain as well as a variety of other issues.

When Osteoarthritis Needs Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How minimally invasive joint replacement compares with the traditional approach.

Traditional approachMinimally invasiveOffered at Total Spine
IncisionA longer incision to expose the joint.Smaller incisions.
Muscle and soft tissueMore muscle and soft tissue disruption.Less disruption to the surrounding muscle and tissue.
Postoperative painMore pain early in recovery.Less pain for most patients.
Hospital stayTypically one or more nights in the hospital.A shorter stay; same-day, outpatient surgery for select candidates.
RecoveryA longer return to daily activity.A faster recovery and return to daily activity.

When osteoarthritis has severely damaged a joint, minimally invasive replacement can relieve pain with smaller incisions and a faster recovery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • A plan matched to the stage of arthritis

    From exercise and injections to joint replacement, treatment follows the severity of your arthritis.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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