At Vero Orthopaedics, we specialize in comprehensive joint care. While osteoarthritis (or OA) is a progressive condition that worsens over time, it is highly manageable.
Below, we break down the most effective treatments for the three most common areas affected: the knees, hips, and hands.
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments
The knee is the largest shock absorber in your body, which makes it particularly susceptible to wear and tear. Treatment plans typically follow a “ladder” approach, starting with the least invasive methods and progressing toward surgery when necessary.
Physical Therapy
Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings is critical. Stronger muscles act like a biological brace, taking the pressure off the joint, and physical therapy can help you build that muscle mass.
Viscosupplementation (Gel Injections)
For those who haven’t found relief with pills, we can inject hyaluronic acid, which acts as a natural lubricant, directly into the knee to help the joint slide smoothly again.
Unloader Bracing
Specialized leg braces can help you shift your weight away from the damaged side of the knee joint.
MAKO® Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery
If conservative measures fail, we utilize advanced robotic technology for partial or total knee replacements, allowing for millimetric precision and faster recovery.
Hip Osteoarthritis Treatments
Hip pain often manifests as a deep ache in the groin. Because the hip is a ball-and-socket joint, treatment focuses on maintaining range of motion and reducing deep-seated inflammation.
Activity Modification
Switching from high-impact sports (like running) to low-impact activities (like swimming or cycling) can significantly extend the life of your hip joint.
Corticosteroid Injections
Guided by ultrasound or a digital X-ray for accuracy, these injections provide rapid, potent relief for arthritis flare-ups.
Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)
Often called the gold standard of orthopaedics, modern hip replacements use ceramic or specialized metal to restore a smooth, pain-free glide to the joint.
Hand and Wrist Osteoarthritis Treatments
Arthritis in the hand often impacts fine motor skills and grip strength. Treatment here focuses on targeted symptom relief and preserving functionality, from custom bracing to highly localized medications and surgical solutions.
Custom Splinting
Occupational therapists can design “silver ring” splints or soft braces that stabilize the joint without sacrificing all your mobility.
Topical NSAIDs
Gels like Diclofenac (Voltaren) are highly effective for the hand because the joints are close to the skin, allowing the medicine to penetrate deeply without the stomach upset of oral pills.
Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
For severe cases in the fingers, fusing the joint can permanently eliminate pain while maintaining the hand’s overall strength.
Specialized Non-Surgical Solutions for Osteoarthritis
Many patients don’t realize there are specialized fields of medicine dedicated specifically to restoring function and relieve pain without surgery. Vero Orthopaedics offers various treatment solutions that bridge the gap between home care and the operating room.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Our physical medicine specialists, also called physiatrists, focus on the whole person. They use advanced diagnostics to find the exact source of your pain and coordinate non-surgical treatments like nerve blocks or specialized bracing to keep you moving.
Multifaceted Weight Management Programs
One of the most effective treatments our team manages is weight optimization. Losing just 10 pounds can feel like taking 40 pounds of stress off your joints.
Because our weight management programs offer support and medical supervision through personalized medication and nutrition plans, patients are much more likely to reach and maintain their goals for the long term.
Regenexx® Regenerative Medicine
We offer research-driven regenerative options for those who want to use their own body’s healing power.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Concentrated healing factors from your blood are injected to calm chronic inflammation.
- Bone Marrow Concentrate: This uses your own stem cells to help treat moderate osteoarthritis and improve joint environment.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Arthritis
You spend more time at home than in our office, so your daily habits are often your strongest medicine. Small, consistent shifts in how you treat your joints can lower the amount of inflammation and thereby help you manage your symptoms on your own.
- Heat vs. Cold: Use heat (like a warm shower or heating pad) in the morning to relax stiff joints. Use ice in the evening or after activity to calm down any swelling.
- The Anti-Inflammatory Kitchen: Your diet can actually help fight joint pain. Incorporating Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts) and antioxidants (berries, leafy greens) helps reduce the chemical triggers of pain in your body.
- Movement as Medicine: While it sounds counterintuitive, movement can help lubricate the joints. Low-impact activities like swimming or using an elliptical are much kinder to arthritic hips and knees than running on pavement.
When Is it Time to Consider Surgery for Osteoarthritis?
Surgery is always a personal decision, but there are three clear signs it may be time to consult with one of our surgeons:
- Sleep Interruption: Your joint pain wakes you up or keeps you from falling asleep.
- Loss of Independence: You can no longer perform basic tasks like putting on socks or grocery shopping because of your pain.
- Conservative Failure: You’ve tried physical medicine, therapy, and injections for 3-6 months without significant improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Your Ideal Treatment at Vero Orthopaedics
Finding relief from the grinding, aching discomfort of your osteoarthritis shouldn’t be a second full-time job. Understanding your options is the first step toward getting your life back, and our specialists can help you do just that.
Ready for relief? Schedule an appointment today.
