Osteoarthritis Treatment for Patients from Portland

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.

Many patients can, if treatment is not delayed. The aim of SVF and PRP injections is to ease pain and support the cartilage without an operation, and joint replacement is the last option — for a joint 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.

Early and moderate stages are the target. Milder stages usually give a quicker and longer-lasting effect and may lower the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. When the joint space has almost disappeared, at the most advanced stage, no lasting effect can 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.

As a rule it progresses, so pain becomes constant, movement more limited, the joint may deform and walking can be hard. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with your doctor make a real difference.

The stage is shown by an X-ray, the main method. MRI gives a close look at the cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound detects inflammation and fluid in the joint, and blood tests help exclude inflammatory conditions. Already have results? The doctor reviews them free of charge.

Osteoarthritis is cartilage wear, with aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest. Arthritis is inflammation, with pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Treatment differs, so diagnosis comes first.

Yes. Send your X-rays, MRI or test results, and a doctor will review them free of charge, assess the stage of osteoarthritis and suggest a non-surgical plan if it is appropriate.

It is not only possible but advisable. Proper activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and maintains your mobility. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking and yoga are good choices; running on hard surfaces, jumps, heavy lifting and sudden movements are to be avoided.