Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in the United States. If you're bothered by swollen, painful joints, visit Rheumatology East, with locations in Germantown and Jackson, Tennessee. Board-certified rheumatologist Bradley Postlethwaite, MD, can help you manage arthritis symptoms to ease pain and optimize joint function. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. 

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by the wearing down of protective cartilage surrounding the ends of your bones. 

Osteoarthritis can damage any of your joints, but it commonly affects joints in the hips, spine, hands, neck, lower back, and knees. Dr. Postlethwaite can help you effectively manage troubling symptoms to avoid crippling joint damage.

Which symptoms can osteoarthritis cause?

The hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Joint swelling
• Weakness
• Visible joint deformities
• Decreased range of motion
• Tenderness
• Loss of flexibility
• Crackling or popping sounds in your joints

These symptoms typically develop slowly, gradually worsening over time when left untreated. They can progress to severe joint damage and disability if osteoarthritis isn’t addressed.

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Factors that may increase your risk of osteoarthritis include:

• Wear and tear
• Aging
• Being female
• Joint injuries
• Obesity 
• Bone deformities
• Repeated joint stress
• Family history of osteoarthritis
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Hemochromatosis (excessive iron)
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Car accidents 
• Other joint-related health problems
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis 

Adopting healthy habits, maintaining an ideal body weight, and avoiding repetitive stress may reduce your chance of having osteoarthritis.

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosing osteoarthritis requires a discussion of your symptoms and lifestyle, a review of your medical history, and a physical exam. Diagnostic tests you may need include blood testing, joint fluid tests, X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or other imaging procedures that allow Dr. Postlethwaite to confirm a diagnosis and develop the most appropriate treatment. 

How is osteoarthritis treated?

Your personalized osteoarthritis treatment plan may consist of one or more of the following solutions:

• Over-the-counter medicines
• Prescription medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Lubricating injections 
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy 
• Electrical nerve stimulation
• Exercise 
• Shoe inserts, braces, or other supportive devices 
• Heat or cold therapy
• Acupuncture, tai chi, massage, or meditation
• Dietary supplements
• Nutritious diet
• Healthy weight management
• No smoking
• Surgery

Dr. Postlethwaite refers you to another specialist if you’re a candidate for surgery because of severe or crippling joint damage. He follows up to ensure your treatment plan is effective. 

Schedule an osteoarthritis evaluation at Rheumatology East by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.