Managing Osteoarthritis in Active Adults
Orange County
If you are suffering from osteoarthritis pain, don’t wait any longer. Contact OC Sports and Wellness today to schedule a consultation. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to doing the things you love.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage—the cushion between bones—gradually deteriorates. This wear and tear can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and changes in joint movement, making daily activities and physical exercise more challenging for active adults. Symptoms of OA can also include a “grating” or “scraping” sensation when moving the knee, and bony growths, known as spurs, may form at the edges of joints.
OA most commonly affects the hands, hips, knees, neck, and lower back, though it can impact any joint in the body. While the exact cause of OA is unknown, researchers suggest it could result from genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Left untreated, OA can lead to disability, making it difficult to perform work or daily tasks and affecting an individual’s quality of life.
Osteoarthritis in Active Adults
OA can be incredibly challenging for active adults, impacting athletic performance, daily activities, and overall quality of life. While OA is most common in older adults, younger individuals who participate in high-impact sports or have sustained joint injuries may also be at risk.
Early signs of OA in active adults include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which may worsen after activity. Over time, the symptoms can intensify, potentially leading to a limited range of motion and increased discomfort. In severe cases, OA can result in joint instability and restricted mobility, affecting performance and everyday comfort.
For active adults, managing osteoarthritis requires a proactive approach to relieve symptoms and slow disease progression. For many, managing OA means finding ways to continue an active lifestyle without compromising joint health.
Treatments for Osteoarthritis
Non-surgical management of osteoarthritis focuses on reducing pain, improving function, and slowing the progression of joint degeneration. These approaches include physical therapy, regenerative treatments, pain management strategies, and lifestyle modifications. Here are some of the key non-surgical treatments that have proven effective for OA in active adults:
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Customized physical therapy programs are designed to strengthen the muscles around affected joints, which can relieve stress on the joint itself and enhance stability. Specific exercises help to improve flexibility, maintain range of motion, and reduce the risk of further injury. For active adults, incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and resistance training is beneficial for joint health and can alleviate OA symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Supplements
Diet plays a significant role in managing osteoarthritis. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce joint inflammation. Certain supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and curcumin, are also known to support joint health and may reduce OA symptoms. Active adults are advised to consult Dr. Sunshine to determine the best dietary adjustments and supplements tailored to their needs.
Regenerative Medicine Therapies
Regenerative medicine is a field that focuses on repairing and regenerating damaged tissues, providing a promising alternative for managing osteoarthritis. At OC Sports and Wellness, we offer cutting-edge regenerative treatments that address OA without surgery. Regenerative therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, utilize the body’s natural healing properties to reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue repair, and improve joint function.
PRP injections are particularly beneficial for active adults with OA, as they can enhance joint stability and flexibility without the downtime and risks associated with surgery. By harnessing the body’s innate healing capacity, these therapies offer a sustainable, long-term approach to managing osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, allowing active adults to stay engaged in their favorite activities.
Pain Management Techniques
In addition to regenerative therapies, pain management techniques like targeted physical therapy, bracing, and topical anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve joint function. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used for short-term relief, though they are not recommended as a long-term solution due to potential side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce pain and swelling, but it’s crucial for patients to discuss dosage and frequency with Dr. Sunshine.
Lifestyle Modifications
Active adults managing osteoarthritis should adopt lifestyle modifications to support their joint health. Weight management is particularly important, as excess weight can place additional stress on joints, worsening OA symptoms. Regular low-impact aerobic exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and boosts circulation to joint tissues, promoting repair and reducing stiffness.
Using proper gear and techniques during sports activities, taking breaks, and avoiding repetitive high-impact movements can also prevent further joint damage. Additionally, joint-supportive footwear and orthotics may be helpful for those with OA in the knees, hips, or feet.
Your Partner in Managing Osteoarthritis
OC Sports and Wellness stands as the premier integrative medicine practice in Orange County, California, offering innovative and non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis. Our approach combines regenerative therapies, personalized care plans, and a deep understanding of the needs of active adults. We believe that by prioritizing non-invasive treatments, we empower patients to continue their active lifestyles while effectively managing OA symptoms.
Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses each patient’s unique needs, ensuring that they receive the highest level of support and expertise in managing osteoarthritis. With advanced regenerative treatments like PRP and a holistic approach to health, OC Sports and Wellness helps active adults in Orange County stay at the top of their game.
Take Control of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to limit your active lifestyle. By taking advantage of non-surgical treatments and seeking expert care, you can manage OA symptoms effectively and maintain your mobility. At OC Sports and Wellness, we are committed to offering personalized, non-surgical solutions that empower active adults to overcome the challenges of osteoarthritis.
Contact us today to learn more about how our regenerative therapies and comprehensive OA management strategies can help you stay active, healthy, and pain-free.
