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Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialist

Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialist in Plano, TX

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes the tissues of the joint to weaken over time. It is the most common form of arthritis and is more prevalent among the elderly. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. If you’re struggling with osteoarthritis and don’t know where to turn for treatment, connect with us at Northstar Joint and Spine. Our board-certified pain management physician Dr. Robert Nocerini, MD, and his team of specialists can provide you with individualized care. For more information, please contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes the tissues of the joint to weaken over time. It is the most common form of arthritis and is more prevalent among the elderly. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. If you’re struggling with osteoarthritis and don’t know where to turn for treatment, connect with us at Northstar Joint and Spine. Our board-certified pain management physician Dr. Robert Nocerini, MD, and his team of specialists can provide you with individualized care. For more information, please contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes the tissues of the joint to weaken over time. It is the most common form of arthritis and is more prevalent among the elderly. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. If you’re struggling with osteoarthritis and don’t know where to turn for treatment, connect with us at Northstar Joint and Spine. Our board-certified pain management physician Dr. Robert Nocerini, MD, and his team of specialists can provide you with individualized care. For more information, please contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024.

Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialist Near Me in Plano TX
Osteoarthritis Treatment Specialist Near Me in Plano TX

Table of Contents:

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
What are the stages of osteoarthritis?
What is the best treatment for osteoarthritis?
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA), which is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a medical condition that causes bone dysfunction, tendon and ligament deterioration, and the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. The result is pain, swelling, and joint deformity, which causes both short- and long-term problems that can affect a person’s ability to participate in their day-to-day activities.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?


The symptoms of osteoarthritis may vary depending on the stage, severity, and if you’re doing anything to medically manage your condition. Symptoms tend to crop up slowly over time and can include:

• Clicking or popping sound emanating from the joint.
• Joint inflammation.
• Joint instability.
• Joint stiffness, especially after rest.
• Limited range of motion.
• Muscle weakness.
• Pain and/or aching in a joint during/after an activity.
• Swelling around the joint.

While the damage done to a joint isn’t reversible, the symptoms associated with this condition are often manageable. Talk to your primary care provider or attending specialist for more information on how to manage your condition, slow its progression, and reduce all associated symptoms.

What are the stages of osteoarthritis?


Osteoarthritis falls into four different subcategories depending on how severe the condition is. They are:

Stage 1 (Minor). The least severe stage is characterized by minor wear and tear in the joints. There is little to no pain in the affected area at this stage.

Stage 2 (Mild). In this stage, diagnostic imaging will start to show changes in bone spur growth. Patients will often begin to experience more symptoms, such as stiffness and soreness in the affected area.

Stage 3 (Moderate). This stage is characterized by the eroding of cartilage and the narrowing of the space between the bone and joint. This causes joint inflammation and often causes pain and discomfort during normal day-to-day activities.

Stage 4 (Severe). This is the most severe and painful type of osteoarthritis. It is characterized by the complete degradation of cartilage, leading to high levels of joint inflammation, numerous bone spurs, and pain that is intense and constantly present.

What is the best treatment for osteoarthritis?


Unfortunately, no treatment can cure osteoarthritis. However, symptoms can effectively be managed using a combination of specifically tailored treatments, including:

Topical and oral medications (which may be over the counter or prescribed).

• A custom exercise plan. 
• Utilizing cold and ice packs.
• Physical therapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Exercise therapy.
• Weight loss (if necessary).
• A healthy eating plan.
• Supportive devices (braces, cane, etc.)
• Injection therapies.
• Supplements.
• Alternative medical therapies.

Your doctor or specialist will prescribe you a plan that best fits what stage of OA you’re at and the severity of your symptoms. It’s important to consult with them if your symptoms change or worsen, as they may need to adjust your treatment plan in response.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?


Osteoarthritis and arthritis, specifically rheumatoid arthritis, are two of the most common disorders that affect one’s joints. While the symptoms can be very similar between the two, there are definite differences – and these differences will determine how your specific type of arthritis is treated.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage on the surface of the joint thins and begins to break down. It usually takes place in an isolated joint, resulting in inflammation, bone spurs, pain, and discomfort.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs because your immune system isn’t working properly. Instead of attacking intruders, such as germs and bacteria, the immune system attacks the body and its processes instead. This causes the synovial membrane that protects joints to dissolve, often affecting many joints at the same time.

If you’re looking for treatment for osteoarthritis and are wondering what your options are, connect with our specialists at Northstar Joint and Spine. For more information, please contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024. We serve patients from Plano TX, Willow Bend TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, North Dallas TX, and surrounding areas.