What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) or arthritis is a degenerative condition affecting joints and develops as one ages or could be the result of trauma or an injury. OA affects the joint cartilage, a soft tissue that cushions joints, and can tear or slowly wear thin until bone rubs against bone, causing inflammation, joint damage, and pain. OA can develop in any joint, but most often occurs in the shoulders, hips, knees, and the neck or spine. When these major joints are affected, dealing with arthritis pain is challenging and often results in immobility. OA is almost inevitable in older individuals but can also develop earlier in life or at a faster rate in a previously injured joint.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

OA may also be caused by overuse, obesity (too much weight on the joints), musculoskeletal abnormalities, and environmental factors (like occupation or level of physical activity). It has also been known to be a genetic condition and occurs more often in women than men. Additionally, muscle atrophy or weakness results in misalignment of the bones and joints, which could lead to OA.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. develop osteoarthritis as they age, although early signs and symptoms of the disease may not be evident or only cause intermittent discomfort.

However, as the condition worsens, more obvious symptoms occur, including:

• Pain or aching in the joints after activity or at the end of the day
• Joint stiffness or difficulty getting going in the morning or after prolonged sitting
• Limited range of motion that usually improves after you get going
• Clicking or popping sounds in the joints as they bend
• Joint inflammation
• Weakness in the muscles surrounding the joint
• Joint instability or the feeling that your joint will give out

How is osteoarthritis treated?

Conservative treatments for osteoarthritis include anti-inflammatory medications, stretching, exercising, eating a healthy diet, and controlling your blood sugar levels. Additionally, modifying your lifestyle like quitting tobacco usage or losing weight can help lessen symptoms and pain from osteoarthritis. However, when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, chronic pain may prevent you from carrying about your usual activities every day. That’s where pain management specialists in Corinth at Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) can help.

MSSP offers minimally invasive treatments to help ease pain associated with osteoarthritis. Our treatments involve no major surgery and are considered outpatient procedures, which mean no overnight stays in the hospital. Additionally, recovering from our minimally invasive treatments is usually quick, and most patients can move on with their usual activities soon after treatment. Learn more about which minimally invasive treatments are best for you and how to get rid of arthritis pain without surgery.

Treating Osteoarthritis Pain in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN

Osteoarthritis or arthritis affects many adults, and some sufferers experience a great deal of pain that interferes with their life. The good news is that thanks to the non-surgical treatments at MSSP, you can experience life without pain and improve your mobility. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call MSSP at (662) 284-8565.