Email: info@BSBortho.com
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and can affect any joint in the body. Pain from arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down with time.
Cartilage cushions the end of the bones, allowing the joint to move smoothly. As the cartilage cushion wears down and cartilage becomes rough, and can cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
In addition to examining the joint, x-rays often will show narrowing of the joint and bone spurs that can confirm the diagnosis of arthritis.
Arthritis is a progressive disease, meaning it will get worse over time. Maintaining a health body weight, avoiding overuse or repetitive activities, and strength training around the joint can help manage pain. It is important to stay as active as possible, and keep the muscles from getting weak. Braces, medications and injections can also help control pain.
In severe arthritis, joint replacement surgery to remove the damaged joint and replace it with an artificial joint may be needed.
Regenerative medicine is a potential alternative to joint replacement surgery, including viscous supplementation or hyaluronic acid injections, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections or stem cell injections.
Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring compound in the joint, and may help protect the cartilage and help control pain.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy concentrates the growth factors in your own blood, which can decrease inflammation, improve function and control joint pain.
Stem cell injections use your own cells to improve joint pain, function and cartilage quality.
If you are interested in discussing minimally invasive treatment options for osteoarthritis please call our office 781-591-7855 to schedule a consultation.