Osteoarthritis

Affecting more than 32 million American adults, osteoarthritis is a common source of chronic pain. At Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine, Don Enty, MD, a leading pain management specialist in the DFW metroplex, offers innovative arthritis treatments in his Colleyville, Texas, office. Book your appointment by calling the office or clicking the provided online scheduler now.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis, a large group of diseases that damage the joints. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage — the smooth and rubbery surface at the ends of your bones — wears away. 

Without cartilage, bones rub together, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. Bone spurs may form on the ends of the bones to cause even more pain. While it mainly affects cartilage, osteoarthritis can also damage the other parts of the joint. 

All of your joints have a cartilage coating, so cartilage breakdown can affect any joint in your body. At Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Enty most often treats osteoarthritis in the knees. Other joints that osteoarthritis commonly affects include the hips, hands, and spine. 

Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability among Americans today. 

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Knee, hip, neck, or back pain (or other joint pain)
• Grating sensation when you move the joint
• Stiffness
• Swelling

Many people with osteoarthritis aren’t able to live their normal life. Untreated, osteoarthritis can force you to limit your physical activities and miss out on the things that matter most.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops after years of normal wear-and-tear in the joints. Although most common in people 65 and older, osteoarthritis can affect anyone. 

A family history of osteoarthritis, consistent joint overuse over the years, and carrying extra weight can all increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Post-traumatic arthritis is osteoarthritis that develops after an injury like a fracture or dislocation. This type of arthritis can develop months or sometimes years after the original injury. You’re seven times more likely to develop post-traumatic arthritis in an injured joint.

How is osteoarthritis treated?

Dr. Enty can help you manage your pain and improve your mobility. He specializes in advanced pain management techniques like cortisone injections, which decrease inflammation in your painful joints to ease your pain. 

Precision medicine therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and human tissue allograft (HTA) prompt your body’s natural healing response while reducing inflammation in and around your damaged joint. 

Injection therapy options can be a great help in managing your osteoarthritis pain effectively. To learn more, call Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine or click on the online booking tool now.