Treatment of osteoarthritis

Timely treatment of osteoarthritis helps restore joint mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. The main goals of treatment are to slow or stop degenerative processes and reduce the inflammation. A wide range of treatment methods is used, including conservative, surgical, injection-based, and physiotherapy approaches.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the cartilage within a joint. It most commonly develops in middle-aged and older adults, but it may also occur in younger individuals, especially in the presence of metabolic disorders or other chronic conditions.

The disease develops gradually and typically progresses over time, leading to progressive cartilage damage. Early symptoms include mild discomfort, which may later progress to pain, reduced mobility, and joint deformity.

Osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint in the body. The most common forms include:

Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)

The knee joint is subjected to significant load during walking, running, and physical activity. Symptoms include aching pain during movement, stiffness after rest, reduced range of motion.

Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis)

Hip osteoarthritis may develop due to excess body weight, genetic predisposition, or congenital joint abnormalities. Patients often report stiffness, a sensation of clicking, and pain radiating to the groin, buttock, thigh, or knee.

Shoulder osteoarthritis (omarthrosis)

Shoulder osteoarthritis is often associated with previous injuries or repetitive strain. Early symptoms include discomfort and reduced range of motion, while later stages are characterized by persistent pain and stiffness.

Key symptoms of osteoarthritis

The main symptoms include pain, reduced mobility, and stiffness. Cartilage degeneration and chronic inflammation may lead to the formation of osteophytes, which reduce joint flexibility and impair normal movement.

Additional symptoms may include:

• pain that worsens with activity;
• a feeling of joint instability;
• crepitus (crunching or clicking) during movement.

Causes of osteoarthritis

‍Osteoarthritis may develop due to a combination of factors, including age-related changes, joint overload, injuries, and genetic predisposition.

• Knee osteoarthritis often develops due to chronic overload, previous injuries, or limb alignment abnormalities.
• Hip osteoarthritis may be associated with dysplasia, mechanical overload, or hereditary factors.
• Shoulder osteoarthritis is more common in physically active individuals and those exposed to repetitive strain.

Risk factors include:

• excess body weight;
• family history of osteoarthritis;
• previous joint injuries.

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Stages of osteoarthritis

1. Mild stage: discomfort and mild pain after physical activity, which resolves with rest.
2. Moderate stage: persistent pain, increasing stiffness, and reduced activity levels.
3. Advanced stage: severe pain, limited mobility, and functional impairment.
4. End-stage: complete cartilage destruction with significant loss of joint function, often requiring joint replacement.

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis

Symptoms may overlap with other joint conditions, so accurate diagnosis is essential.

Diagnostic methods include:

• X-ray imaging;
• ultrasound examination;
• MRI or CT scan;
• laboratory tests (if needed).

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Treatment of osteoarthritis at our center

 At Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma Medical Center, treatment plans are individualized for each patient. The following methods are used:

• medications (analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs);
• physiotherapy (including high-intensity laser therapy);
• intra-articular injections (hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids);
• orthobiologic treatments (PRP therapy, mesenchymal stem cells);
• rehabilitation with a physical therapist to improve joint function;
• corrective osteotomy;
• joint replacement (arthroplasty).

How to schedule diagnosis and treatment

To schedule an appointment, submit a request via the website or contact the clinic by phone.

‍Price for arthrosis treatment in Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma

The cost of treatment depends on the affected joint and disease stage. The exact price is determined after consultation and examination. A detailed price list is available on the website, and the final treatment plan is provided by the physician.