Do your knees ache when you climb stairs? Are your hands stiff when you wake up in the morning? You might be experiencing the early signs of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. OA causes chronic pain and reduced mobility and is one of the leading causes of disability in adults. It's estimated that nearly half of all adults will develop it at some point in their lives. But here’s the good news: while OA isn't curable, it is manageable. Dr. Trevor Kitchin, will break down what OA is, why it happens, and what you can do to take control of your joint health.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage in your joints—those smooth, cushioning surfaces that allow bones to move without friction—breaks down over time. This leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints.

OA can affect any joint, but it typically affects the knees, hips, hands and wrists, feet and ankles, shoulders, lower back.

The knee is the most commonly affected joint.

What Causes OA?

Aging is the biggest factor— as joint cartilage naturally wears down over time. Cartilage doesn’t have a blood supply, so once it's damaged, it can’t heal on its own. That’s why prevention and early treatment are so important.

Other causes and risk factors include:

• Wear and tear from years of joint use
• Genetics or a family history of arthritis
• Smoking, which may increase inflammation and joint damage
• Obesity, which places extra stress on joints, especially knees
• Inactivity, leading to weak muscles that support joints
• Physically demanding jobs involving repetitive motion or heavy lifting
• Poor nutrition- Inflammatory diets, elevated cholesterol levels, vitamin D and K deficiency, as well as low overall muscle strength, may play a role in developing OA.

Are You at Risk?

You may be more likely to develop OA if:

• You're over 50
• You're female
• You’ve had previous joint injuries or surgeries
• You have a physically demanding or repetitive (i.e. construction workers, farmers, firefighters, assembly line workers etc.)
• You have a BMI over 30

Common Symptoms You Might Notice

OA symptoms usually come on slowly and worsen over time. You might experience:

• Joint pain that worsens with use and improves with rest
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
• Swelling or tenderness around joints
• A feeling of instability or the joint giving way
• Reduced range of motion
• Grating or cracking sensation in the joint

You may also notice flare-ups—temporary increases in pain and swelling after activity.

Flares of pain and swelling are common and typically triggered by increased activity. They usually resolve within a few days, returning to your previous level of discomfort.

How Is OA Diagnosed?

Diagnosing OA can be done by taking a thorough history and performing a physical exam. Your medical provider will usually obtain imaging. Typically an X-ray is sufficient. However, a CT and MRI scans may also be obtained to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other causes of your symptoms.

What You Can Do About OA

While there's no cure for OA, there are many treatments that can reduce pain and improve quality of life. The goal is to manage symptoms, maintain function, and slow the progression. Confirming an OA diagnosis from a physician (not self-diagnosis), will help you confidently navigate next steps of treatment and commit to relevant lifestyle changes.

Are you scared that a diagnosis means joint replacement surgery is in your future? Don’t worry! There are many treatment alternatives to try before turning to surgery.

Lifestyle Changes

These are some of the most effective ways to manage OA:

• Weight loss: Obesity plays a significant role in OA progression, any extra weight your body carries increases the load placed on your joints, altering biomechanics and is associated with decreased muscle strength. If your BMI is over 30, losing just 10% of your body weight can reduce knee OA pain by up to 50%.
• Exercise: A mix of aerobic (walking, swimming) and strength training is a great way to build muscle around the joints to protect them. A physical therapist can teach you the right movements and exercises to gain strength and mobility based on your goals.
• Quit smoking: It can improve joint and overall health.
• Anti-inflammatory diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Treatment Options

Physical Aids and Therapies: Short-term Symptom Relief

• Braces and sleeves: Provide stability and support
• TENS units: Deliver mild electrical currents to reduce pain
• Acupuncture: Some people find it helpful for OA pain

Medications: Short-term Symptom Relief

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) – reduce inflammation
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – helps with mild to moderate pain
• Topical treatments – such as Voltaren gel, capsaicin, or lidocaine
• Steroids – oral medications like prednisone can offer short-term relief

Injections

• Cortisone (steroid) shots: Quick relief for symptoms like swelling, inflammation, and pain, and sometimes results will last several months. However, repeated steroid injections over the years may cause the cartilage of the joints to wear down more quickly and can actually speed up the progression of arthritis.
• Hyaluronic acid ("gel shots”): Help lubricate the joint; effects can last longer than steroids. These are also slightly safer for the cartilage compared to steroids, but they are more expensive treatment options.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) & stem cell injections: Use your body’s own cells to reduce pain and swelling. Many studies show promising results, especially for treating knee arthritis. Head-to-head studies have shown PRP to be superior to both steroid and gel shots for knee OA. Unfortunately, these procedures are not covered by most insurance providers. Physicians at COPC Sports, Spine & Joint do PRP and stem-cell injections; schedule a consultation to see if one of these procedures is right for you! 

Surgery

When other treatments don’t help, joint replacement might be considered. Talk to your provider if your quality of life is significantly affected.

While surgeries are typically considered safe, there are still risks associated with them including infection and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) blood clots. Surgery does not guarantee complete relief. Some studies have shown up to 20% of patients who have had knee replacements and 9% of patients who have had hip replacements still experience moderate to severe long-term pain.

Final Thoughts

Living with osteoarthritis can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. By understanding your condition and taking proactive steps, you can reduce your pain, stay active, and improve your quality of life. If you're experiencing joint pain that’s affecting your daily activities, reach out to your primary care physician or see a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist. There are many tools and treatments that can help you get back to the activities you love with less pain.

COPC Sports, Spine & Joint
COPC Sports, Spine & Joint (CSSJ) is a multidisciplinary practice; the physician team specializes in physical medicine, rehabilitation, pain management, and sports medicine. We provide consulting, testing, and specialized care for musculoskeletal disorders affecting the spine and extremities. CSSJ provides specialized care for a wide range of muscle, nervous system, bone, and joint conditions and injuries for patients 12 years and older. By combining expert knowledge and a comprehensive approach, we provide the individualized plan you need and the accurate care you can trust. Schedule with us at one of our several locations throughout the Columbus metropolitan area.

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