Living With Osteoarthritis
If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you may need to make some lifestyle changes, but you can still do many of the things you enjoy. The key is taking steps to manage your condition. LA Pain Doctor helps patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA stay active and comfortable with osteoarthritis.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It happens when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones gradually wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, shoulders, and spine. While there is no cure, many people control their symptoms and live full, active lives.
Everyday Strategies for Managing Osteoarthritis
- Keep moving: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and water aerobics strengthen muscles and protect joints. See our guide to exercising with chronic pain.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Every extra pound adds pressure to weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
- Protect your joints: Use larger joints to carry loads, avoid repetitive strain, and take breaks during activities.
- Use heat and cold: Heat can ease stiffness, while cold can reduce swelling after activity.
- Try assistive tools: Jar openers, canes, shoe inserts, and braces can reduce strain on painful joints.
- Rest when needed: Balance activity with rest to avoid flare-ups.
Medical Treatment for Osteoarthritis
When lifestyle changes are not enough, targeted treatments can relieve pain and help you stay active. LA Pain Doctor offers joint injections, hip joint injections, and shoulder joint injections to reduce inflammation. For knee arthritis, options include Hyalgan injections, genicular nerve blocks, and genicular nerve ablation. Prolotherapy may help strengthen supporting ligaments. Arthritis in the spine can respond to facet joint injections and cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy.
Learn more about Joint Pain, living with chronic pain, and living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Living With Osteoarthritis FAQs
Can I still exercise with osteoarthritis?
Yes. Low-impact exercise is one of the best ways to reduce pain and keep joints healthy.
Does weight loss help osteoarthritis?
Yes. Losing even a small amount of weight can reduce pressure on the knees and hips and ease pain.
Is heat or ice better for arthritis?
Heat often helps stiffness, while ice can reduce swelling after activity. Many people use both.
What injections help osteoarthritis?
Steroid joint injections, Hyalgan for knees, and nerve treatments like genicular nerve ablation can help.
Will osteoarthritis keep getting worse?
It often progresses slowly, but treatment and healthy habits can help control symptoms.
When should I see a doctor for arthritis pain?
See a provider if pain limits your daily activities, keeps you up at night, or doesn’t improve with home care.
Where can I get help for osteoarthritis?
Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule a visit at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Stay Active With Osteoarthritis
Let us help you manage arthritis pain. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.