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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within your joints. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. This condition can affect any joint but is most commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Several factors contribute to the development of osteoarthritis:
Age: The risk of developing OA increases with age.
Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can increase your risk.
Joint Injury: Previous injuries can lead to the development of OA later in life.
Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints.
Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities that put repetitive stress on a joint can lead to OA.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, particularly after menopause.
Osteoarthritis symptoms can vary but commonly include:
Pain: Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Stiffness: Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Swelling: Swelling around the affected joint.
Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the joint through its full range of motion.
Crepitus: A grating sensation or sound when moving the joint.
Before seeking professional treatment, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes you can try to manage osteoarthritis symptoms:
Exercise: Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and cycling can help maintain joint function and reduce pain.
Weight Management: Losing excess weight can decrease the stress on weight-bearing joints.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
Dietary Changes: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce symptoms.
When home remedies are not enough to manage your osteoarthritis symptoms, professional treatment options are available:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve joint function, increase range of motion, and reduce pain. A physical therapist can create a customized exercise program tailored to your specific needs.
Medications
In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers, your provider may prescribe stronger medications, such as:
Corticosteroids: These can be injected directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These injections can provide lubrication to the joint, improving mobility and reducing pain.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
At Frontier Physical Medicine, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures that offer effective relief without the need for surgery:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.
Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy uses the body’s own regenerative cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues.
Surgical Options
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Options include:
Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to clean out the joint.
Joint Replacement: Replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.
At Frontier Physical Medicine, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to treating osteoarthritis:
Initial Consultation: During your first visit, we will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a medical history review and physical examination.
Diagnostic Testing: We may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to assess the extent of joint damage.
Customized Treatment Plan: Based on your evaluation and test results, we will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: If appropriate, we will recommend minimally invasive treatments, such as PRP or stem cell therapy, to help manage your symptoms.
Ongoing Support: We provide ongoing support and follow-up care to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Frontier Physical Medicine, located in Tampa, Florida, with a clinic in Clearwater, specializes in pain management through minimally invasive procedures and a proprietary approach to treating neuropathy and chronic joint pain without heavy drugs or surgery. Prioritizing patient care, the clinic ensures a personalized experience where patients come first. They offer a variety of services and provide easy contact options for those seeking pain relief. For more information, visit their website at Frontier Physical Medicine.
By following these steps and utilizing our innovative treatments, we aim to help you manage your osteoarthritis symptoms effectively and improve your quality of life.
An Innovative Medical Facility That Uses Minimally Invasive Procedures To Treat A Variety Of Conditions.
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