Osteoarthritis of the Peripheral Joints

Relief for joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility caused by degenerative arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage within a joint gradually deteriorates. As cartilage thins, joint surfaces experience increased friction, leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Peripheral joint osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, shoulders, hands, ankles, and feet, significantly impacting function and quality of life.

At Resolution Spine & Joint, we provide comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment strategies designed to reduce inflammation, improve joint mechanics, and help patients remain active.

How Osteoarthritis Develops

Osteoarthritis progresses through several overlapping processes:

• Cartilage degeneration – Loss of smooth protective joint surface

• Synovial inflammation – Irritation of the joint lining contributing to pain and swelling

• Bone remodeling – Formation of osteophytes (bone spurs) and subchondral bone thickening

• Joint space narrowing – Reduced cushioning and altered biomechanics

• Muscle weakness and compensation – Further joint instability and mechanical stress

Pain arises not only from cartilage loss but also from inflammation, bone changes, and surrounding soft tissue strain.

Common Symptoms

Patients with peripheral joint OA may experience:

• Joint pain with activity

• Morning stiffness or stiffness after inactivity

• Swelling or tenderness

• Reduced range of motion

• Grinding or clicking sensations

• Functional limitation with daily activities

Symptoms often fluctuate, with periods of relative calm interrupted by inflammatory flare-ups.

How Osteoarthritis Affects Individual Joints

Knee Osteoarthritis

• Pain with walking, stairs, squatting, or prolonged standing

• Swelling and stiffness

• Sensation of instability or giving way

• Progressive limitation in mobility

Knee OA significantly affects weight-bearing mechanics and overall activity tolerance.

Hip Osteoarthritis

• Groin, buttock, or lateral hip pain

• Stiffness with walking or rising from a seated position

• Reduced hip rotation and mobility

• Referred pain to the thigh or knee

Hip OA often presents subtly and may initially be mistaken for back pain.

Shoulder Osteoarthritis

• Pain with overhead movement or reaching

• Stiffness and loss of shoulder mobility

• Weakness due to pain inhibition

• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

Shoulder OA can impact both strength and functional independence.

Hand and Finger Osteoarthritis

• Joint enlargement and stiffness

• Pain with gripping or fine motor tasks

• Formation of nodules at finger joints

• Reduced dexterity

Hand OA can significantly affect daily tasks despite relatively small joint involvement.

Ankle and Foot Osteoarthritis

• Pain with standing and walking

• Swelling and stiffness

• Altered gait and balance changes

• Difficulty with uneven surfaces

Foot and ankle OA often leads to compensatory movement patterns affecting the entire kinetic chain.

Risk Factors

• Aging

• Prior joint injury

• Repetitive mechanical stress

• Obesity and increased joint load

• Genetic predisposition

• Muscle weakness or instability

Joint degeneration often reflects cumulative mechanical and biological influences rather than a single cause.

Diagnosis

Evaluation typically includes:

• Comprehensive clinical examination

• Assessment of joint mobility and strength

• X-rays to evaluate joint space narrowing and bone changes

• Advanced imaging when clinically indicated

The severity of imaging findings does not always correlate with symptom intensity.

Treatment Options at Resolution Spine & Joint

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, improving mechanics, and maintaining mobility.

Conservative Management

• Physical therapy and strengthening

• Activity modification and joint protection strategies

• Weight management and biomechanical optimization

• Anti-inflammatory strategies when appropriate

Interventional Treatments

• Image-guided joint injections to reduce inflammation

• Viscosupplementation in selected joints

• Regenerative medicine approaches when appropriate

• Referral for surgical evaluation when conservative options are exhausted

Targeted injections often provide meaningful symptom relief and improved function.

When to Seek Evaluation

Evaluation is recommended when:

• Joint pain persists or worsens

• Stiffness limits daily activities

• Swelling or instability develops

• Conservative measures no longer provide relief

Early treatment helps maintain mobility and slow functional decline.

Why Choose Resolution Spine & Joint

• Comprehensive evaluation of joint pain and biomechanics

• Advanced image-guided injection techniques

• Individualized treatment plans focused on function and activity preservation

• Emphasis on long-term joint health and mobility

• Compassionate care recognizing the chronic nature of osteoarthritis

Helping patients remain active and independent is central to osteoarthritis management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is osteoarthritis reversible?
Cartilage loss is not reversible, but symptoms and function can be significantly improved.

Does exercise worsen osteoarthritis?
Appropriate strengthening and mobility exercises are beneficial and protective.

Are injections safe?
When appropriately selected, joint injections are generally safe and effective.

Will osteoarthritis always worsen?
Progression varies widely, and many patients maintain good function with proper care.

References

• American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

• Arthritis Foundation

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)