Osteoarthritis Treatment in Oldsmar, FL

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those over the age of 50. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. At Frontier Physical Medicine in Oldsmar, FL, we understand the impact osteoarthritis can have on your daily life and are committed to providing effective, minimally invasive treatment options to help you regain your quality of life.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops due to a combination of factors, including:

Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.

Joint Injury: Previous joint injuries can increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis.

Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities that place repetitive stress on a joint can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

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

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

Bone Deformities: Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage, which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

What Symptoms Will I Experience with Osteoarthritis?

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the joints affected. Common symptoms include:

Pain: Joint pain during or after movement.

Stiffness: Joint stiffness, especially upon waking or after periods of inactivity.

Tenderness: Joint tenderness when applying light pressure.

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

Grating Sensation: A grating or crackling sound when moving the joint.

Bone Spurs: Hard lumps around the affected joint, which are bone spurs that form around the joint.

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

Before seeking professional treatment for osteoarthritis, there are several self-care measures you can try at home to manage your symptoms:

Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling to maintain joint flexibility and strength.

Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Use heat pads to relax muscles and cold packs to reduce inflammation and numb pain.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain medications such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation.

Assistive Devices: Use braces, shoe inserts, or walking aids to support joints and reduce pain during activities.

Best Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

When home remedies are not enough to alleviate your osteoarthritis symptoms, Frontier Physical Medicine offers a range of effective treatment options tailored to your individual needs. Our approach focuses on minimizing pain and improving joint function without relying on heavy drugs or invasive surgery. Some of the best treatment options for osteoarthritis include:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an essential component of osteoarthritis treatment. Our skilled physical therapists will design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Physical therapy can also include manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage, to enhance joint function.

Injections

We offer several types of injections to help manage osteoarthritis pain:

Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can provide rapid pain relief by reducing inflammation in the affected joint.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Also known as viscosupplementation, these injections can help lubricate the joint, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP therapy uses your body’s own platelets to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the joint.

Regenerative Medicine

Frontier Physical Medicine specializes in regenerative medicine techniques that harness the body’s natural healing abilities to repair damaged tissues and reduce pain. These treatments can include:

Stem Cell Therapy: This innovative treatment involves injecting stem cells into the affected joint to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Prolotherapy: This treatment involves injecting a solution into the joint to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and strengthen weakened tissues.

Lifestyle Modifications

We work with you to develop a comprehensive plan that includes lifestyle modifications to manage your osteoarthritis symptoms. This can include dietary changes, weight management strategies, and exercise recommendations to support joint health and overall well-being.

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Our Process for Treating Osteoarthritis

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