Osteoarthritis Specialist

Superior Pain Relief

Interventional Pain Management located in The Woodlands, Conroe, Spring, Houston & Baytown, TX

Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear type of arthritis that typically develops as you get older, causing swollen, painful joints and loss of function. Zaid Malik, MD, of Superior Pain Relief, which has locations in Houston, Baytown, Conroe, and The Woodlands, Texas, is a highly skilled specialist in interventional pain management who provides exceptional treatments for patients who have osteoarthritis and other disabling musculoskeletal conditions. Find out how Dr. Malik and his team can help you reduce the pain and incapacity caused by osteoarthritis by calling Superior Pain Relief today to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online.

Osteoarthritis Q & A

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is a gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue that protects the ends of bones in the joints.

Osteoarthritis commonly develops as a result of the wear and tear of aging. It also frequently results from traumatic injury to the joint. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people, women, and people who have occupations that place increased stress on the joints.

People who have certain diseases, bone deformities, or a genetic predisposition are also at a higher risk. Obesity can also raise a person's risk for osteoarthritis, because extra body weight increases stress on the joints.

How does osteoarthritis develop?

In a healthy joint, the ends of the bones are covered by a layer of cartilage. Healthy cartilage allows the bones to glide smoothly against each other. But in a joint that’s developing osteoarthritis, this cartilage begins to deteriorate and wear away. Repetitive motion or injury may speed this deterioration, and eventually, the bones start to rub directly against one another.

This rubbing can cause the gradual growth of bony bumps along the edge of the joint. These lumps, called bone spurs (or osteophytes), can make joint pain worse.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:

Constant joint pain
Swollen joints
Stiffness in the joints
A weakening of the joints
Locking or buckling
Trouble bending or straightening the joint

Using the affected joints over long periods is likely to cause the pain to worsen.

What treatments are available for osteoarthritis?

Treatment options depend on the severity of the arthritis. In the early stages, treatments like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and injections of medications that lubricate the joint can be very helpful.

Your provider at Superior Pain Relief may recommend physical therapy, and the use of a brace to relieve stress on the joint. If you’re overweight, making an effort to lose the excess weight can help considerably by easing the stress on your joints.

In severe or very advanced cases of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, surgery may be needed to repair or replace the joint.

To schedule a consultation and find better ways to manage the pain of osteoarthritis, call Superior Pain Relief today, or book an appointment online.