Question 1

What is osteoarthritis?

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis is commonly known as "wear and tear" arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis, especially among older adults.

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage is damaged. Cartilage is the connective tissue that covers the ends of the bones within your joints.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis:
Pain that gets worse when bearing weight or moving the joint
Inflammation
Popping or clicking sounds when moving
Weakness in the joint
Stiffness in the joint that impacts movement

Question 2

What is arthritis? (VIDEO)

Question 3

Am I a good candidate for joint replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

Many patients worry they’re either too young, too old, or that their symptoms “aren’t bad enough yet.” In reality, the decision for hip or knee replacement is based far more on how your joint pain affects your life than on your age alone.

You may be a candidate if:
Joint pain limits your daily activities (walking, stairs, getting dressed, sleeping)
Pain persists despite physical therapy, medications, or injections
You’ve reduced activities you enjoy because of pain
X-rays or imaging show advanced arthritis or joint damage
Pain affects your quality of life, mood, or independence

Question 4

Can I cure my arthritis by changing my diet?

Accepted Answer

No diet can “cure” arthritis, but substantial research shows that dietary patterns associated with lower systemic inflammation correlate with lower pain scores and improved function in patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Fruits and vegetables: High in antioxidants and polyphenols, these foods are linked with lower systemic inflammatory markers.

Omega-3 rich foods (fish, flaxseed, walnuts): Omega-3 fatty acids have well-established anti-inflammatory effects.

Olive oil and nuts: Linked with reduced inflammatory biomarkers in large dietary pattern studies.

Reducing highly processed foods and excess added sugars, which are associated with higher inflammatory markers, may also be beneficial.

Question 5

What medications can help with joint pain?

Accepted Answer

Medications can help manage pain and inflammation while you pursue physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Recommendations are individualized based on symptoms, medical history, and tolerance, but could include:

Oral medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are commonly recommended in clinical guidelines for symptomatic relief in knee osteoarthritis and inflammatory flare-ups.

Acetaminophen may provide pain relief when NSAIDs are not appropriate, although studies suggest its overall effect is modest.

Topical medications
Topical NSAIDs (such as diclofenac gel) provide localized anti-inflammatory relief with lower systemic exposure than oral NSAIDs and are recommended in many clinical guidelines for knee osteoarthritis.

Topical analgesics (such as menthol or capsaicin) may reduce pain signals at the skin level and can be helpful for some patients, though individual response varies.

Question 6

Should I start physical therapy to help with joint pain?

Accepted Answer

High-quality evidence shows that physical therapy improves pain and function in hip and knee osteoarthritis compared with no care or home exercises alone. Strengthening the muscles around the joint reduces stress on cartilage and improves mobility.

We recommend you consult with your care team before making major lifestyle or activity level changes.

Question 7

Are injections helpful for managing joint pain?

Accepted Answer

Approved injections may provide relief when conservative care isn’t enough:

Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis, particularly when inflammation and swelling are present. Clinical studies show symptom improvement typically lasting several weeks, with variable response between patients.

Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid), often called “gel injections,” may reduce pain in some patients with knee osteoarthritis. Research shows mixed results, but certain patients experience meaningful pain relief that can last for several months.

Injections do not reverse the underlying disease, and their benefits vary by individual.

Question 8

Should I alter my activity level because of joint pain?

Accepted Answer

There is strong evidence that tailored exercise programs and reduced impact activity improve pain and function in osteoarthritis.

Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are often better tolerated than running or jumping.

If you are unable to continue with an activity you enjoy due to osteoarthritis and joint pain, it is time to speak to a healthcare professional about your options.

Question 9

What should I do if non-invasive treatments are no longer working?

Accepted Answer

Non-surgical options can provide durable relief for many patients, but as arthritis progresses or pain and functional limitations intensify, joint replacement surgery becomes a more reliable option for long-term pain relief and improved function.

If non-surgical options are no longer working to help manage your joint pain, it is time to contact an orthopedic surgeon.
 
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment pathway. I take time to:
Review your symptoms, goals, and imaging together
Recommend treatments with the strongest evidence for your situation
Help you decide if and when surgery is the best next step for you

Question 10

Am I too old (or too young) for joint replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

Age matters less than you think. There is no perfect age for joint replacement. I routinely see:

Younger patients whose arthritis is preventing them from working or staying active
Older patients who want to maintain independence and mobility

What matters most is overall health, bone quality, expectations, and lifestyle goals.

Question 11

How should I prepare my home before joint replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

Before surgery, it is helpful to make a few simple changes at home to improve safety and comfort during the first weeks of recovery.

I recommend:
A clear walking path without clutter
Removal of loose rugs or tripping hazards
A stable chair with arms to assist with standing
A raised toilet seat if needed

Placing commonly used items within easy reach can reduce unnecessary bending and make daily activities easier early in recovery.

Most patients benefit from having some assistance at home during the early recovery period.

This may include help with:
Meal preparation
Medication organization and reminders
Transportation to appointments and therapy
Light household tasks

I recommend arranging support for at least the first 3–7 days after surgery, and longer if additional help is needed for safety and comfort.

Question 12

Why do I have joint pain?

Accepted Answer

There can be many reasons for joint pain, but one of the most common is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage protecting the joints thins, causing bone-on-bone friction (and pain).

Question 13

What is the catching or grinding feeling I have in my joint? (VIDEO)

203-797-1500

Jennifer H. Wood, M.D., FAAOS
Danbury • Southbury • New Milford CT

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