Osteoarthritis in Durban: Treatment by Stage

The cartilage that covers the bone ends in a joint slowly wears away. Once it thins, cushioning is lost, bone rubs on bone and pain, stiffness and crunching appear. This is a degenerative condition, not an inflammatory one.

Frequently yes, if treatment is not delayed. With SVF and PRP injections the aim is pain relief and cartilage support without an operation. Joint replacement remains the last option, used when the joint is already destroyed.

First changes usually appear 2–3 weeks after the procedure for many patients. It takes about six months for a stable result to form, and it may last from several months to several years, individually. As a chronic condition, osteoarthritis needs a continuing plan instead of a single injection.

At early and moderate stages. The milder the stage, the faster and longer-lasting the effect usually is, and it may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage, when the joint space has almost disappeared, a lasting effect cannot be expected.

Heavily loaded joints — the knees, hips and ankles — together with the spine and small hand joints. All of them can be treated with regenerative treatment.

Generally it progresses — constant pain, increasingly limited movement, a possibly deformed joint and trouble walking. What makes a real difference is early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor.

X-ray is the main method and it shows the stage; MRI provides detail on the cartilage and soft tissues; ultrasound shows inflammation and joint fluid; blood tests help rule out inflammatory conditions. The doctor can review your existing results free of charge.

With osteoarthritis the cartilage wears down: you get aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest. With arthritis there is inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The treatment approach is different, so diagnosis comes first.

Of course. A doctor reviews your X-rays, MRI or test results free of charge, assesses the stage of osteoarthritis and suggests a non-surgical plan when it is appropriate — just send them.

Yes, and you should. The right activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and keeps you mobile. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking and yoga are good choices; avoid running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting and sudden movements.