Osteoarthritis Specialist
Spine, Sports Medicine & Orthopedics in Valdosta, GA
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in the United States and a leading cause of disability. If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, the specialists at Valdosta Orthopedic Associates in Valdosta, Georgia, provide comprehensive care designed to relieve pain, preserve joint function, and help you remain active and independent. To learn more about osteoarthritis treatment options, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Questions and Answers
Osteoarthritis Q&A
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops as normal wear and tear gradually breaks down cartilage. Cartilage is a smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones within a joint, allowing them to move freely while cushioning impact.
Over time, repeated movement and pressure cause cartilage to thin and deteriorate. As cartilage wears away, more bone becomes exposed. Eventually, bone begins to rub against bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
As osteoarthritis progresses, inflammation develops within the joint, and bone spurs may form. Chronic inflammation can further damage the joint by eroding exposed bone and surrounding structures.
What Symptoms Develop Due to Osteoarthritis?
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Aching or painful joints
- Stiffness, especially after periods of rest
- Tenderness when pressure is applied
- Reduced flexibility
- Limited range of motion
- A grinding or clicking sensation during joint movement
Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it most commonly involves the weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees and hips.
How Is Osteoarthritis Treated?
The team at Valdosta Orthopedic Associates customizes osteoarthritis treatment to reduce pain and inflammation, maintain joint mobility, and slow disease progression.
While osteoarthritis often makes movement uncomfortable, appropriate exercise is essential for maintaining joint health. Treatment plans are designed to help you stay active while protecting your joints.
Treatment may begin with joint injections to reduce pain and inflammation, making it easier to participate in structured exercise and physical therapy. Injection options may include:
- Viscosupplementation, which involves injecting hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring joint lubricant
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Prolotherapy, when appropriate
The team also offers osteopathic manipulation, a hands-on approach that helps stretch soft tissues, improve blood flow, increase range of motion, and reduce discomfort.
In addition, your provider will discuss lifestyle factors that affect joint health, including nutrition and weight management. For patients who are overweight, weight loss can significantly reduce stress on the joints—particularly the knees—and help relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.
Get Comprehensive Osteoarthritis Care
If osteoarthritis pain is limiting your mobility or quality of life, the specialists at Valdosta Orthopedic Associates are here to help. Call the office or schedule your appointment online today to explore personalized treatment options.
