What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage — the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones within a joint. As cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, producing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Bony outgrowths called osteophytes (bone spurs) may form at the joint margins, further limiting movement.
OA most commonly affects weight-bearing joints — the knees, hips, and spine — but also affects the hands, shoulders, and ankles. It is a progressive condition, but its progression can be significantly modified through appropriate treatment.
Symptoms and Functional Impact
- Deep, aching joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest (in early stages)
- Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes (a distinguishing feature from inflammatory arthritis)
- Joint swelling, tenderness, and warmth during flares
- Crepitus — a grinding, crackling sensation with joint movement
- Reduced range of motion and increasing difficulty with stairs, walking, or overhead activities
- Muscle weakness around the affected joint due to disuse
Nonsurgical Treatment at CHLMD
Osteoarthritis treatment at CHLMD is built on the evidence that structured, physician-supervised exercise is the single most effective long-term intervention for OA — reducing pain, improving function, and slowing cartilage loss. Dr. Lichtblau prescribes individualized therapeutic exercise programs that strengthen the muscles supporting the affected joint, reduce mechanical load on cartilage, and improve neuromuscular control.
For patients with significant pain limiting participation in exercise, joint injections — corticosteroid or viscosupplementation — are used strategically to reduce inflammation, restore joint lubrication, and create a therapeutic window for rehabilitation to proceed. Weight management guidance, activity modification, and bracing recommendations are incorporated as appropriate.
Joints commonly treated include:
- Knee osteoarthritis — the most common indication for viscosupplementation
- Hip OA — corticosteroid injections and exercise to delay surgical referral
- Lumbar and cervical facet osteoarthritis — facet injections and stabilization exercise
- Shoulder OA — glenohumeral injections and rotator cuff strengthening
- Hand and wrist OA — splinting, joint protection education, and targeted exercise
Why Choose CHLMD for Osteoarthritis Treatment?
As a board-certified physiatrist, Dr. Lichtblau specializes in nonsurgical musculoskeletal medicine. He understands how OA interacts with your overall health, other medical conditions, and medications — and designs treatment plans accordingly. The goal is always to maximize your function and quality of life while deferring or avoiding surgery whenever clinically appropriate.
