Integrated Osteoarthritis Treatment

Explore osteoarthritis treatment at KindlyMD in Utah. Our approach provides personalized care to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance mobility.

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Integrated Osteoarthritis Treatment

Living with osteoarthritis can make everyday movements challenging and painful, but you don’t have to face it alone.

At KindlyMD in Utah, we specialize in integrated care solutions that address osteoarthritis at its root, helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Our team is here to help you manage your joint health, from expert diagnosis to personalized treatment plans. Contact us today to learn more or continue reading below.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down over time. Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, it can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It most commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, but it can occur in any joint in the body. While osteoarthritis is most prevalent in older adults, it can also impact younger individuals with joint injuries or specific risk factors.

Osteoarthritis Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in the joints wears down over time. Several factors can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:

Age and Genetic Predisposition
- Aging is the most common risk factor for osteoarthritis.
- Family history may predispose some individuals to joint issues or weaker cartilage.

Joint Stress and Previous Injuries
- Repetitive movements or past injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
- Athletes and individuals in physically demanding jobs are at higher risk.

Obesity and Increased Weight
- Excess weight adds pressure to weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
- This additional stress can speed up cartilage deterioration and increase joint pain.

Repetitive Stress on Affected Joints
- Activities that involve repetitive use, heavy lifting, or physical strain can lead to joint wear over time.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can develop gradually and worsen over time.

Common signs and symptoms include:

Joint Pain and Stiffness
- Pain during or after movement, especially at the end of the day
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity.

Swelling and Tenderness
- Inflammation around the affected joints can cause swelling and tenderness.

Reduced Range of Motion
- Decreased flexibility and difficulty moving the affected joint through its full range.

Bone Spurs and End Bone Changes
- Bony growths, known as bone spurs, can form around affected joints and cause discomfort.
- In advanced stages, changes in the joint structure can worsen symptoms.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

Diagnosing osteoarthritis involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examinations, and imaging tests. Providers at KindlyMD may recommend:

X-rays to detect cartilage loss, joint space narrowing, and bone spurs.
MRI scans to assess detailed cartilage and joint damage.
Joint fluid tests to rule out other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis Treatment Options

At KindlyMD, we offer a comprehensive approach to osteoarthritis pain treatment that combines proven medical therapies, lifestyle changes, and alternative options. We aim to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

For many patients, non-pharmacological treatments are the first line of defense against osteoarthritis symptoms.

Weight Management

Reducing excess body weight can significantly lower stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, alleviating pain and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

Exercise Programs

Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and strength training improve joint flexibility, build muscle support, and enhance mobility without straining the joints.

Assistive Devices

Braces, orthotics, walking aids, and other assistive devices support and stabilize affected joints, making daily movements easier and less painful.

Pharmacological Treatments

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help relieve osteoarthritis pain and reduce inflammation, relieving mild to severe symptoms.

NSAIDs

Over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroids are injected directly into the affected joint to provide temporary relief from inflammation and severe pain.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

These injections help lubricate the joints, improving mobility and providing relief for individuals with moderate to advanced osteoarthritis.

Topical Treatments

Creams, gels, and patches containing pain-relieving agents like capsaicin or NSAIDs can offer localized pain relief without systemic side effects.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Alternative therapies can complement traditional osteoarthritis treatments and offer additional relief for many patients.

Medical Cannabis

For individuals exploring alternative therapies for osteoarthritis pain relief, Medical Cannabis can be a valuable option. At KindlyMD, we provide compassionate support and expert guidance to help patients understand Medical Cannabis Card eligibility requirements.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

These dietary supplements may support cartilage health and help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms in some individuals. While results can vary, they are often considered a safe addition to other treatment options.

Surgical Options

For severe cases where other treatments have not provided relief, surgical options may be recommended:

Joint Replacement Surgery: Replacing damaged joints, such as hips or knees, with prosthetic implants to restore function.
Joint Realignment: Procedures like osteotomy shift joint alignment to reduce stress on the damaged area.

Your provider at KindlyMD will work with you to determine if surgery is the right option for your needs.

Advanced Care Solutions

At KindlyMD, we are dedicated to enhancing your care experience with advanced tools and personalized solutions. One of our key innovations is our Care Management Software, a system designed to support physical and mental health needs for comprehensive, integrated care.

For Physical Conditions: Our full-service injury care focuses on developing the skills and momentum needed for physical recovery while improving functional outcomes and mobility.

For Mental Health Conditions: We know that pain and poor function often impact the brain just as much as they do the body, so we use these advanced reporting tools to address mental health challenges as well, ensuring patients receive holistic care that bridges physical and emotional well-being.

By combining leading-edge technology with compassionate care, we deliver a seamless experience to help you achieve better health, one step at a time.

Personalized Osteoarthritis Care at KindlyMD™ in Utah

At KindlyMD, we take a personalized and integrated approach to osteoarthritis care. Our team of experienced providers creates customized treatment plans tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

Whether you need support with weight management, alternative therapies, or advanced pain relief strategies, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Take control of your joint health with our compassionate and expert care.

Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment today, or find a clinic near you.

Testimonials

Hear from our patients about how our compassionate, integrated approach to mental health care has made a difference in their lives.

“The people are very nice and helpful! [They are] so good at listening and offering suggestions on what would help my pain and RLS.”

Michael C.

Integrated Osteoarthritis Treatment