Osteoarthritis - Recovery Tips

Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which gradual deterioration of the joint occurs as the result of accumulated wear over time, a traumatic event, the normal consequence of aging, or other cause.

More Resources to Get Better

From the Blog

Injections for osteoarthritis

The following question is another one that I received after giving a talk at a medical conference - Does Synvisc help osteoarthritis?

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From the Blog

Common questions about arthritis and articular cartilage injuries

Articular cartilage is the cartilage lining on the ends of the bones. In this article, I discuss articular cartilage damage and arthritis. I also share some of the treatment options.

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From the Blog

Physical activity after hip and knee replacement

Imagine you have played sports or engaged in demanding physical exercise for decades. You're now injured and require a hip or knee replacement. Can you remain active after?

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Webinar

10 Mistakes Active People Make After Suffering an Injury

This webinar reveals the top 10 mistakes that can prolong your recovery from injury.

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Webinar

Ask Dr. Geier: Overuse and Degenerative Knee Injuries

How to get rid of pain, anxiety and frustration from your knee injury.

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Webinar

The Injury Evaluation Course

Does the thought of seeing a doctor for your injury scare you?

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Books

That’s Gotta Hurt

The Injuries That Changed Sports Forever

Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Osteoarthritis Injuries

+What is this injury?

-What is this injury?

Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which gradual deterioration of the joint occurs as the result of accumulated wear over time, a traumatic event, or the normal consequence of aging. Symptoms usually include pain and stiffness of the joint. X-rays will usually show articular cartilage damage or breakdown, bone spurs, and joint space narrowing.
+What are the common treatments?

-What are the common treatments?

Treatments aim to relieve a patient’s symptoms, as no method to restore normal articular cartilage and reverse the effects of the joint deterioration have been found. Activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections), weight loss, braces, and walking with assistive devices are all possible treatments. Partial or total joint replacement surgery can be performed when osteoarthritis is severe and the patient cannot perform activities of daily living without pain.
+How long could it take to recover?

-How long could it take to recover?

Often nonsurgical treatments can help decrease pain and allow more physical activity in weeks, although the knee might not be completely free of pain. Recovery from joint replacement surgeries can take several months.
+What should I ask my doctor?

-What should I ask my doctor?

It is always a good idea to ask if surgery is necessary and if there are nonsurgical treatment options that can be tried first. If you choose to undergo surgery, understanding what restrictions the surgeon will place after surgery and what you can safely do, such as driving and working, are important. Also ask what physical activities your surgeon will allow after joint replacement surgery.