According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 50 million adults suffer from arthritis, of which there are dozens of different types. One common type of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of hip pain, hand pain, knee pain, and back pain, and a common reason people visit an orthopedic surgeon.
Osteoarthritis Causes
The connective tissue that gives a smooth, lubricated surface for movement is called the articular cartilage. Over time - or due to a varitey of other factors - the articular cartilage can wear down. As your articular wears away you may begin to feel joint pain in the form of osteoarthritis.
There are many potential reasons you could develop osteoarthritis. Some of these include:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Gender (higher tendency in women)
Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Typically, symptoms begin to appear around the age of 40, or after a traumatic injury. Once exposed to osteoarthritis, you may develop the following symptoms:
- Knee, hip, hand, or other joint swelling
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
In more severe cases, osteoarthritis can deteriorate your everyday lifestyle. If left untreated, your risk of developing additional symptoms increases.
Osteoarthritis Treatment
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, an orthopedic specialist - like the ones at Elite Sports Medicine – can develop a treatment plan for you. Some orthopedic doctors prescribe anti-inflammatories, viscosupplementation injections, and cortisone injections to treat the condition.
A physical therapy program can also help strengthen and maintain the muscles around your joint. In some cases, surgery may be recommended for young adults that are suffering from articular cartilage damage
If you are suffering from joint pain, you should contact an orthopedic surgeon. The orthopedists at Elite are some of the best orthopedic doctors in Nashville, TN and Franklin, TN. Book an appointment online with one of our providers today.
References
“What Is Arthritis?” Arthritis Foundation, The Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.
Author
Nick Flory
Nick is the Marketing Manager for Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics. He has been writing and reviewing medical content since 2018. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasflory/