What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones. As cartilage deteriorates, bones may begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. OA can affect any joint but most commonly impacts the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
We take a structured, multi-layered approach to Osteoarthritis treatment by combining advanced diagnostics, lifestyle modifications, and progressive therapies to support your mobility and well-being.
Customized Treatment Plans
At Compass Pain and Wellness, we create personalized treatment plans, combining advanced therapies with lifestyle strategies to promote health. Our approach focuses on long-term relief, integrating treatments that fit seamlessly into your daily life. From targeted interventions to posture guidance and ergonomic support, we offer strategies to help improve mobility and reduce the risk of future issues.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
We prioritize non-invasive treatments and may incorporate advanced, minimally invasive techniques designed to ease discomfort and support the body’s natural healing process. These approaches can offer relief with minimal downtime, helping you return to daily activities more comfortably. Throughout your care, we provide ongoing guidance and support to promote positive outcomes.
Comprehensive Care
We take a comprehensive approach to all conditions—going beyond pain relief to support overall function. By combining advanced medical treatments with complementary therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and mindfulness techniques, we create personalized care plans tailored to your individual needs.
Lasting Relief
Our goal is to support not just immediate relief, but long-term health and sustainable symptom management. By addressing contributing factors behind your condition, we aim to improve function, reduce the risk of future flare-ups, and promote lasting mobility and well-being.
Understanding Osteoarthritis: Signs And Symptoms
The progression of OA varies among individuals, but common signs and symptoms include:
- Joint Pain: Often worsens with activity and improves with rest.
- Stiffness: Particularly noticeable after periods of inactivity or in the morning.
- Swelling: Caused by inflammation within the joint.
- Decreased Range Of Motion: Difficulty moving the joint through its full range.
- Crepitus: A grating sensation or sound when the joint moves.
These symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or performing household tasks.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
OA results from a combination of factors:
Age
The risk increases as you get older.
Joint Injury
Previous injuries can lead to OA later in life.
Obesity
Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints.
Genetics
Family history can increase susceptibility.
Gender
Women are more likely to develop OA, especially after menopause.
While OA is often associated with wear and tear, inflammation also plays a significant role in its development. Elevated levels of certain cytokines and enzymes contribute to cartilage degradation and joint inflammation.
What Happens If Osteoarthritis Is Left Untreated?
Untreated OA can lead to:
- Progressive Joint Damage: Worsening pain and loss of function.
- Muscle Weakness: Due to reduced activity levels.
- Joint Deformity: Misalignment and changes in joint structure.
- Disability: Difficulty performing daily tasks and maintaining independence.
Early intervention is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent further joint deterioration.
Our Approach To Treating Osteoarthritis
At Compass Pain and Wellness, we offer a holistic, patient-centered approach to OA treatment. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life without relying solely on medications or invasive procedures.
How To Diagnose Osteoarthritis
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Medical History: Discussion of symptoms and risk factors.
- Physical Examination: Assessment of joint movement, tenderness, and swelling.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRI to evaluate joint damage.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to rule out other conditions.
A comprehensive evaluation helps tailor the most effective treatment plan for each individual.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
Non-invasive treatments are often the first line of defense:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.
Weight Management
Reducing body weight decreases stress on joints, particularly the knees.
Assistive Devices
Braces, canes, or orthotics to support joints and alleviate pain.
Lifestyle Modifications
Activity modifications and ergonomic adjustments to reduce joint strain.
Advanced Treatment Approaches
For more persistent symptoms, advanced therapies may be considered:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.
Massage
Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.
Shockwave Therapy
High-energy acoustic waves applied to the affected area to promote tissue repair and reduce pain. Research shows it can be effective for OA treatment.
TECAR Therapy
A form of deep tissue therapy that uses radiofrequency to stimulate circulation and accelerate healing.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Interventions
For patients with severe OA symptoms unresponsive to conservative treatments, minimally invasive procedures may offer significant relief:
- Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This outpatient procedure uses heat generated from radio waves to disrupt nerve function, effectively blocking pain transmission. It is particularly effective for managing pain caused by arthritis in the knee joint, providing long-lasting relief compared to injections.
- Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): An interventional radiology procedure that targets synovial blood vessels in the knee that are believed to cause painful inflammation. It involves the insertion of a catheter into the arteries via a small incision in the hip, with embolic agents injected to block blood flow to the affected areas, reducing pain and inflammation.
- Cryoneurolysis (IOVERA): A procedure that uses cold therapy to disrupt nerve function, providing pain relief without the need for sedation. It is effective for conditions such as knee OA and is performed in an outpatient setting.
These procedures are typically considered after other treatments fail to manage OA symptoms effectively.
Our Providers
Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.
