Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which cartilage, bone, and the surrounding tissues change over time, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement, most often in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It is the most common form of arthritis and affects about 33 million U.S. adults. The board-certified pain specialists at California Pain Consultants in San Diego diagnose osteoarthritis pain and build treatment plans aimed at keeping you moving.
It often starts quietly—a stiffness in your knees when you wake up, a slight ache in your hips after walking, or discomfort in your hands when gripping objects. At first, it may seem like something minor, something you can push through or ignore. But over time, those small changes can become more noticeable. You may begin to feel stiffness that lasts longer in the morning. Movements that once felt effortless—standing up, climbing stairs, bending, or even holding something—may start to feel more difficult. Some days are manageable, while others feel more limiting.
Osteoarthritis affects the whole joint, including cartilage, bone, ligaments, and surrounding tissues. Symptoms vary widely, and treatment focuses on pain, movement, strength, and quality of life.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint condition that develops as cartilage, bone, and other joint tissues change over time.
To understand osteoarthritis, it helps to understand how a healthy joint works. In a normal joint:
- Cartilage covers the ends of bones, allowing smooth movement
- Synovial fluid lubricates the joint
- Ligaments and muscles provide support
In osteoarthritis:
- Cartilage gradually wears down
- Bones may begin to rub against each other
- Inflammation can develop
- Bone spurs may form
These changes can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
How Osteoarthritis Feels: Recognizing the Symptoms
Osteoarthritis symptoms can vary, but there are common patterns.
Joint Pain
- Dull, aching pain
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Relief with rest (especially in early stages)
Stiffness
- Most noticeable in the morning
- Typically improves after movement
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, osteoarthritis stiffness usually lasts less than 30 minutes after waking or after a period of rest. Morning stiffness that lasts much longer can point toward an inflammatory type of arthritis, which is one reason a careful evaluation matters.
Reduced Range of Motion
You may find it harder to:
- Bend
- Stretch
- Rotate joints
Swelling and Tenderness
Inflammation can cause:
- Joint swelling
- Sensitivity to touch
Grinding or Clicking Sensation
You may feel or hear:
- Grinding
- Popping
- Clicking
Commonly Affected Areas and Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but most commonly involves:
- Knees
- Hips
- Hands
- Spine (neck and lower back)
Osteoarthritis develops over time due to a combination of factors:
Aging and Sex
Risk rises with age, and the CDC notes that women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, especially after age 50. Having osteoarthritis in one joint may also raise the chance of it appearing in others.
Age-related changes can affect cartilage and other tissues throughout the joint.
Repetitive Use
Years of movement and stress on joints can contribute to wear.
Joint Injury
Past injuries may increase the risk of developing OA.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to joint degeneration.
Weight
Excess weight places additional stress on joints, especially the knees and hips.
Muscle Weakness
Weak muscles provide less support to joints.
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis
Medical History
Your provider will ask about:
- Symptoms and duration
- Activity levels
- Previous injuries
Physical Examination
- Joint movement
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Imaging Studies
- X-rays to assess joint space and bone changes
- MRI for soft tissue evaluation
Conservative Treatments
There is no single cure for osteoarthritis, but there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Physical Therapy
Helps:
- Strengthen muscles
- Improve flexibility
- Support joint function
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Pain relievers
Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight management
- Activity adjustments
- Joint protection
Heat and Cold Therapy
- Heat for stiffness
- Ice for inflammation
Interventional Pain Management
Joint Injections
May be considered when an evaluation identifies a specific pain source. For knee arthritis, knee joint injections are typically performed with imaging guidance so medication reaches the joint accurately.
Corticosteroid Injections
May provide temporary symptom relief for selected patients.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Are used in selected knee osteoarthritis cases, and individual response varies.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
May reduce pain from selected sensory nerves after a diagnostic evaluation; the duration of benefit varies. For knee pain, a genicular nerve block is often used first to test whether those nerves carry the pain before radiofrequency ablation is considered.
Preventing and Managing Osteoarthritis
Stay Active
Movement helps keep joints flexible.
Strengthen Muscles
Supports joints and reduces strain.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Reduces stress on joints.
Protect Your Joints
Use proper techniques during activities.
The Emotional Impact of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect how you feel about your independence and daily life.
You may feel:
- Frustrated
- Limited
- Concerned about long-term mobility
Living with Osteoarthritis: Practical Tips
- Pace your activities
- Use supportive footwear
- Take breaks when needed
- Stay consistent with treatment
When Osteoarthritis Symptoms Need Prompt Care
Seek prompt medical evaluation for the following symptoms:
- A joint that becomes suddenly hot, red, or very swollen
- Joint pain with fever
- Inability to bear weight after a fall or injury
- Rapid loss of motion or new limb weakness
Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. This list is not exhaustive; when symptoms feel severe or rapidly worsen, seek urgent care.
Keep Moving With an Osteoarthritis Plan
A personalized osteoarthritis plan may combine education, exercise, medication, activity changes, and targeted procedures when appropriate.
When to See a Pain Specialist for Osteoarthritis
Many people manage early osteoarthritis with a primary care physician, exercise, and over-the-counter medication. A pain specialist may add value when:
- Pain persists or worsens despite several months of exercise, weight management, and medication
- Stiffness or pain is keeping you from walking, sleeping, working, or caring for yourself
- You cannot take anti-inflammatory medication because of stomach, kidney, heart, or bleeding concerns
- You want to delay or avoid joint replacement, or you are not a surgical candidate
- Pain continues after a joint replacement or other surgery
A specialist can help confirm which structures are generating pain, since hip arthritis can be felt in the groin or knee and spine arthritis can mimic other conditions.
Getting Osteoarthritis Care in San Diego
At California Pain Consultants, your care team begins with a detailed history, a hands-on examination, and a review of any imaging you already have. From there, your physician explains the options that fit your joint, your health history, and your goals, from structured exercise and medication adjustments to image-guided injections and nerve-targeted procedures. Plans are revisited over time, because osteoarthritis symptoms can change.
Patients are seen at four clinics across San Diego County: Kearny Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. Procedures are performed at the Comprehensive Pain ASC in Rancho Bernardo and the EPC Surgery Center in La Mesa. We accept most insurances. To book your appointment, call (858) 571-3630. If your pain is centered in a specific joint, you may also find our pages on hip pain and knee pain helpful.
Book Your AppointmentTrusted Information and Related Care
Medical reference: NIAMS: Osteoarthritis. Related California Pain resources: Arthritis pain · Conditions and treatments · Schedule an appointment. This article is for general education and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend on diagnosis, health history, current medications, and personal goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is osteoarthritis just normal aging?
No, osteoarthritis is not simply a normal part of aging, even though it becomes more common with age. It is a disease of the whole joint that also involves injury history, genetics, body weight, and muscle strength. Many older adults have healthy, comfortable joints, and pain that limits your life deserves evaluation rather than acceptance.
Can osteoarthritis be reversed?
Osteoarthritis cannot currently be reversed, but its symptoms can often be managed well. Exercise, weight management, activity changes, medications, and selected procedures may reduce pain and improve function for many patients. The goal of treatment is to help you stay active and independent, and results vary from person to person.
Should I exercise if my joints hurt?
For most people with osteoarthritis, yes, appropriate exercise is one of the most helpful treatments. Strengthening, flexibility, and low-impact aerobic activity can support the joint and ease stiffness. A physical therapist or pain specialist can help you choose activities that match your joints, and you should report any swelling or sharp pain that develops.
How long do injections for osteoarthritis last?
Relief from injections varies widely, from a few weeks to several months, and some patients feel little change. Corticosteroid injections tend to work faster, while hyaluronic acid injections in the knee may take longer to help. Your physician will discuss how often injections can safely be repeated and what alternatives exist if relief is short.
Will I eventually need a joint replacement?
Not necessarily, because many people with osteoarthritis never need joint replacement. Surgery is usually considered when pain and loss of function remain severe despite nonsurgical care. A pain specialist can help you make the most of conservative and interventional options, and can coordinate with an orthopedic surgeon if replacement becomes the better choice.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis develops from structural changes within the joint, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joint lining. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects both sides of the body symmetrically and causes longer morning stiffness. Blood tests and imaging help tell them apart, and treatment differs significantly.