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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).