Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, happens when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of your bones gradually wears away. This leads to pain and stiffness in the joint that worsens over time, making it difficult to do daily activities.
In its early stages, osteoarthritis is treated with nonsurgical methods. Your provider at Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico may recommend a range of treatments, including:
- Pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Bracing
Another option would be a joint viscosupplementation injection, a gel-like fluid called Hyaluronic Acid, which acts like a lubricant and shock absorber in the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid allows joints to move easily and freely.
You may also benefit from Platelet Rich Plasma injection (PRP). PRP is a novel regenerative repair solution that effectively accelerates the healing of damaged tissues. PRP is prepared by drawing a small volume of the patient’s blood at our office, then concentrating platelets in a small volume of plasma. These isolated components will be injected into the joint, muscle, or tendon to initiate the regenerative therapy process and alleviate inflammation and pain. Your provider can help you determine if you are a candidate for PRP.
Contact us at 575-623-9101 to schedule an appointment and check if PRP is right for you.
