Question: What is osteoarthritis, and what are the symptoms? Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint wears down due to age, overuse, injury, or obesity. When this cushioning between the bones breaks down, the bones rub together, causing pain and a loss of flexibility in the joint. This condition can affect any joint, but it is commonly seen in the knees and hips.

1. OSTEOARTHRITIS Q&A
By Dr Alan Binkley

2. Osteoarthritis Q&A
Question:What is osteoarthritis, and what are
the symptoms?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a
joint wears down due to age, overuse, injury,
or obesity.When this cushioning between the
bones breaks down, the bones rub together,
causing pain and a loss of flexibility in the
joint.This condition can affect any joint, but it
is commonly seen in the knees and hips.

3. Osteoarthritis Q&A
Question: How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
X rays, MRIs, and joint fluid aspiration can
help an orthopedic specialist determine if the
pain and stiffness are caused by osteoarthritis
or another condition.

4. Osteoarthritis Q&A
Question: What are the standard treatments for
osteoarthritis?
Conservative treatments include losing weight,
taking over-the-counter or prescription pain
medications, undergoing physical therapy, or
wearing special braces. Cortisone shots may also
provide some relief. Severe cases that are not
relieved by minimally invasive therapies may
require joint-replacement surgery.

5. Osteoarthritis Q&A
For more information about diagnosing and
treating osteoarthritis, contact Dr.Alan
Binkley at Northview Associates in
Dahlonega, Georgia. Dr. Alan Binkley
provides the full spectrum of conservative as
well as advanced treatments for this painful
condition.