Overview
Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis. As cartilage thins and joint fluid loses its “slippery” quality, movement becomes painful and stiff—especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Without targeted care, OA tends to progress over time.
Why OA Gets Worse
Healthy joints have smooth cartilage and a thick gel (synovial fluid) that cushions and lubricates. In OA, the gel degrades and cartilage wears, increasing friction, inflammation, and that “bone-on-bone” feeling people describe.
Think of OA like an engine with old oil: friction builds, parts wear, and performance drops. Replace the “oil,” reduce friction, and function often improves.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Stiffness after rest; pain with walking, stairs, or squatting
- Grinding, clicking, or swelling around the joint
- Night pain that disrupts sleep and recovery
Evaluation at NYC Pain MD
Your visit typically includes a detailed history, focused exam, and weight-bearing X-ray to grade OA severity. From there, we map an image-guided plan tailored to your goals.
Key Takeaways
OA is progressive, but targeted, image-guided, non-surgical care can reduce pain, restore motion, and delay or avoid surgery.
