Bone-on-Bone

Living with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis (OA) can be a daily struggle, marked by stiffness, pain, and limited mobility. Ariel Curtis, FNP-C, at Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializes in joint injection therapy aimed at reducing pain, improving mobility, and stalling OA progression. Schedule a visit today for comprehensive joint care that may include injection therapy. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is bone-on-bone osteoarthritis?

Bone-on-bone osteoarthritis is a severe stage of osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease that causes cushioning cartilage on the ends of bones to wear down over time.

In a healthy joint, cartilage allows for smooth movement and absorbs shock. But in advanced osteoarthritis, this cartilage deteriorates completely, causing the bones to rub directly against each other, commonly referred to as “bone-on-bone.”

This can lead to intense pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

What causes bone-on-bone osteoarthritis?

The progression to bone-on-bone osteoarthritis can result from various factors:

• Natural cartilage degeneration related to aging (the most common cause)
• Repetitive use injuries from physical labor, sports, or past injuries
• Genetics
• Increased stress on joints due to excess weight, especially the knees and hips

Previous injuries, including fractures, ligament tears, or surgeries, can also compromise your joint integrity and lead to early cartilage wear.

What are the treatments?

At Joint Health Solutions, managing osteoarthritis includes a customized treatment plan that’s aimed at controlling your symptoms and preserving your joint function before it progresses to its final stage.

Although there’s no cure for bone-on-bone osteoarthritis, several treatments can relieve your pain and improve your quality of life:

Lifestyle modifications

Weight loss, low-impact exercise (like swimming or cycling), and joint-friendly nutrition that helps tame inflammation can stall the progression of your osteoarthritis.

Medications

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and sometimes prescription medications can temporarily relieve your pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy

A formal physical therapy program that includes strengthening exercises and routines to improve your flexibility and reduce stiffness is often a key component of OA treatment.

Joint injections

Ariel Curtis, FNP-C, specializes in injection-based therapies aimed at reducing pain and inflammation and restoring joint health.

She customizes therapies to meet your needs. Your strategy may include corticosteroids or advanced regenerative medicine therapies, such as hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma injections.

Assistive devices

Braces, canes, or orthotic shoes customized to your needs can help reduce pain as they provide support and ease pressure on your affected joints.

Ongoing support

Early diagnosis and proactive care can help slow progression and improve overall joint health. The goal at Joint Health Solutions is to create a supportive relationship that helps protect your joints, restore your mobility, and reduce your pain for a lifetime.

Schedule a visit at Joint Health Solutions by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.