Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this disease that causes joint degeneration, pain, and inflammation. At his practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Alexander Kulick, MD, can help you tackle this painful and debilitating condition. His goal is to help you restore your freedom of movement and alleviate pain. To get started on a treatment plan, call the New York City office or book an appointment online.

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What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes pain, swelling, and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the form of the disease caused by joint degeneration. 

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage – a connective tissue that acts as a cushion between your bones – wears down and causes your bone to grind together. Because osteoarthritis is degenerative, it usually occurs as you age. Younger, active people can also develop it, however.

You’re often more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis if you’ve experienced an injury to that joint in the past.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are usually the same no matter which form of the joint disease you have. They include:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Reduced range of motion and loss of function
  • Tenderness

If you experience these symptoms in joints such as your knee, ankle, hip, or shoulder, call Dr. Kulick to set up an appointment to be evaluated.

The sooner you get treatment to manage osteoarthritis, the more successful you can be in slowing its progression or reversing it altogether.

What are the treatments for osteoarthritis?

Dr. Kulick takes a multifaceted approach to treating pain and dysfunction caused by osteoarthritis. You benefit from pain medications, massage, and physical therapy. 

Joint injections that include hyaluronic acid may help men and women suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Epidural steroid injections can also help if your osteoarthritis affects the spine and is accompanied by nerve inflammation.

How does stem cell therapy treat arthritis?

Stem cell therapy also offers an alternative, natural therapy to treat osteoarthritis. Stem cells are nonspecified cells that can become any type of cell in the body.

When injected into painful joints, such as the knee or hip, they multiply and send healing compounds to the area. Plus, the stem cells can actually encourage the repair of existing tissue and the growth of new, healthy tissue – including cartilage. 

Stem cell therapy stimulates your body’s own natural healing mechanisms and can help you delay or put off surgery for good.

To find relief from arthritic joints, call the office of Dr. Alexander Kulick or schedule an appointment online.