Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialist in Frisco, Denton, and Plano, TX

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as “wear and tear arthritis,” is characterized by symptoms that develop slowly and get worse over time, especially if they are untreated. The condition makes the affected joints feel tender, stiff, and swollen.
 
Depending on the severity of the condition, the pain that osteoarthritis causes can range from mild to severe. Additionally, osteoarthritis can cause stiffness in the affected joints. The sensation of stiffness is particularly common after a period of inactivity or upon waking in the morning. Furthermore, some people with OA report a sensation of instability in the affected joint. The feeling of a joint buckling or “giving way” occurs because osteoarthritis weakens the surrounding structures and ligaments.
 
Managing persistent discomfort and mobility limitations arising from osteoarthritis can result in exhaustion, frustration, and emotional strain. This condition can restrict a person’s ability to participate in daily tasks, social activities, and hobbies. Due to this, osteoarthritis can significantly affect a patient’s overall quality of life.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions a joint deteriorates, resulting in friction and subsequent pain, stiffness, and swelling. One of the major risk factors for OA is age. As we get older, our joints experience more wear and tear, which causes our risk of developing osteoarthritis to increase with age.
 
In addition to age, sex is another risk factor for the condition, as women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. Furthermore, if you’ve experienced an injury to a specific joint, the risk of developing OA in that joint increases, even if the injury heals well.
 
Some people are genetically predisposed to developing OA. In addition, if you are overweight or obese, your extra body weight increases your risk of developing the condition in weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips.
 
Overall, the main cause of OA is repeated wear and tear on a joint. If you play a sport or work in an occupation that requires repetitive stress on the joints, you are at increased risk of OA. By working with a specialist, you can alleviate your discomfort and continue to live a fulfilling life despite your diagnosis.

Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of OA include:
 
Persistent pain and tenderness: OA causes chronic joint pain, which can occur in one or more joints. Typically, the pain worsens with movement, and the affected joints may be tender to the touch.

Joint stiffness and loss of mobility: One of the characteristic signs of OA is stiffness in the joint. As osteoarthritis progresses, joint function often becomes more and more impaired, leading to a decreased range of motion and difficulty performing daily activities such as walking, bending, or climbing stairs.

Inflammation: OA often causes swelling, warmth, and redness around the affected joints. The inflammatory response is what causes pain and stiffness to occur.

Bone spurs: Osteoarthritis can lead to the formation of bone spurs along the edges of the affected joints. These bony outgrowths, known as osteophytes, cause additional pain, stiffness, and joint dysfunction.

Grating sensation: Some patients with OA report a grating or grinding sensation when moving the affected joint. This occurs due to the bone-on-bone friction resulting from the loss of smooth cartilage.

Joint deformity: In severe cases of osteoarthritis, joint deformities may develop. This makes it even more difficult to move or bend the affected joint.

To understand the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis, it is important to know that arthritis is a broad term used to describe a variety of conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation. There are various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout.
 
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis; hence, the two terms are often confused with one another. Osteoarthritis occurs due to mechanical wear and tear on the joint. The risk factors for this condition include age, obesity, and a history of joint injuries.
 
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that typically progresses slowly over many years. While it can cause significant pain and functional impairment, OA does not progress as rapidly as inflammatory forms of arthritis. Overall, while osteoarthritis is the most common type, it is distinct from other types of arthritis.
 
Treatment for osteoarthritis is available at Pain Specialists of Frisco. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in  Frisco, TX, and Denton, TX. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Denton TX, Little Elm TX, Celina TX, Plano TX, Allen TX, The Colony TX, Prosper TX, McKinney TX, and the North Dallas Metro area.