Living with Osteoarthritis: Tips for Managing Pain and Improving Mobility

Osteoarthritis (OA) can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility in affected joints. As a degenerative joint disease, OA primarily results from the wear and tear of cartilage, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty with movement. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, effective pain management and mobility strategies can help improve quality of life. At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, we offer a range of treatments tailored to help you manage OA symptoms and regain comfort in your day-to-day activities.

Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis often develops gradually, with symptoms that worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain during or after movement

• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after inactivity

• Loss of flexibility in the affected joint

• Grating sensation or popping sounds during joint movement

• Bone spurs that form around the affected joint
   

Effective management involves a combination of lifestyle changes, exercise, physical therapy, and medical treatments tailored to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
 

Tips for Managing Osteoarthritis Pain and Mobility

1. Stay Active: Gentle exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can help keep joints flexible and reduce stiffness. Low-impact activities strengthen muscles around the joint, improving stability and reducing strain on the affected area.

2. Strength Training: Strengthening exercises focused on the muscles surrounding the affected joint can help stabilize and support the joint, reducing pain and enhancing mobility.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce joint strain and alleviate symptoms.

4. Use Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying a warm compress or a cold pack to the affected joint can help relieve pain and inflammation. Heat therapy can ease stiffness, while cold therapy reduces swelling.

5. Optimize Your Environment: Using supportive devices, such as canes, braces, or shoe inserts, can provide extra stability. Ergonomic chairs, cushioned mats, and easy-to-grip handles can also make daily tasks more comfortable.
 

Medical Treatments to Help Manage Osteoarthritis

At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, we understand the complexities of managing OA and offer a variety of targeted treatments to provide relief and restore mobility.
 

Corticosteroid injections can provide rapid, powerful relief from osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. By injecting a corticosteroid medication directly into the joint, we can target inflammation at the source, reducing swelling and discomfort. This treatment is particularly beneficial for those experiencing flare-ups or intense pain, and while effects may be temporary, they can provide meaningful relief to improve function and quality of life.
 

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce chronic joint pain by targeting specific nerve endings that transmit pain signals. Using radiofrequency energy, we can safely disrupt these pain signals, providing long-term pain relief without affecting muscle function.
 

For individuals with knee osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation offers a unique solution by injecting hyaluronic acid—a substance naturally found in joint fluid—into the knee joint. This treatment helps lubricate the joint, reducing friction and enhancing cushioning, which can improve mobility and reduce pain. Viscosupplementation is especially helpful for those who have not found relief with other treatments and can be used to delay or reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
 

Partnering with Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine

Managing osteoarthritis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Dr. Philip specializes in innovative and effective treatments to help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support your journey to a more active, pain-free life. With personalized care, he can help you find the right combination of lifestyle modifications and treatments to regain control over your life and continue doing the things you love.
 

Schedule a consultation with Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine to learn more about how we can support your journey to better joint health and help you manage osteoarthritis with confidence. Visit our office in Lake Geneva or Kenosha, Wisconsin, or call (262) 299-6199 to book an appointment today.