Osteoarthritis Treatment in Indian Shores, FL

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage, the smooth tissue at the ends of bones where they form a joint. Over time, the cartilage breaks down, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced motion in the joints. This condition can affect any joint but is most commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. At Frontier Physical Medicine, we understand the debilitating effects of osteoarthritis and are committed to providing effective, minimally invasive treatments to help our patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is caused by a combination of factors, including:

Age: The risk of developing OA increases with age.

Joint Injury: Injuries from sports, accidents, or repetitive stress can damage cartilage and lead to OA.

Genetics: A family history of OA can increase your risk.

Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees and hips.

Joint Overuse: Jobs or activities that require repetitive movements can wear down joint cartilage over time.

Understanding these causes can he

What Symptoms Will I Experience with Osteoarthritis?

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary in severity and may include:

Pain: Joint pain during or after movement.

Stiffness: Joint stiffness, especially after waking up or after being inactive.

Tenderness: Discomfort when pressing on the affected joint.

Loss of Flexibility: Reduced range of motion in the affected joint.

Grating Sensation: A feeling of grating or the sound of bone rubbing on bone.

Bone Spurs: Extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.

Swelling: Inflammation around the joint.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek a professional evaluation to determine the best course of action for treatment.

What Should I Try at Home Before Seeing a Provider for Osteoarthritis?

Before seeking professional medical help, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes you can try to manage osteoarthritis symptoms:

Exercise: Engage in low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, or cycling to strengthen muscles around the joints and improve flexibility.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can relax muscles and ease pain, while cold therapy can reduce swelling and inflammation.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.

Assistive Devices: Using braces, canes, or shoe inserts can help support affected joints.

Healthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins can help reduce inflammation.

While these methods can provide relief, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.

Best Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

At Frontier Physical Medicine, we offer a range of minimally invasive treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Our approach focuses on managing pain and improving joint function without the use of heavy drugs or surgery. Here are some of the best treatment options available:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Our physical therapists work closely with patients to develop personalized exercise plans that address their unique needs.

Injections

Corticosteroid Injections: These can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These injections act as a lubricant to help joints move more smoothly and reduce pain.

 

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. This innovative treatment can help reduce pain and improve joint function.

Regenerative Medicine

Our regenerative medicine treatments use the body’s natural healing processes to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. These treatments can be particularly effective for patients with osteoarthritis.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Counseling

We provide comprehensive lifestyle and nutritional counseling to help patients make informed choices that can improve their overall health and manage osteoarthritis symptoms more effectively.

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Our Process for Treating Osteoarthritis

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