Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disorder characterized by the progressive breakdown of cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones in a joint. This condition typically develops slowly and is often associated with aging, though it can also result from joint injuries or genetic factors. As cartilage deteriorates, bones may rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and limited joint movement. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, and the spine, leading to reduced mobility and decreased quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

Potential Causes of Osteoarthritis:

• Age-related wear and tear
• Joint injuries or trauma
• Joint overuse or repetitive motion
• Muscle weakness around joints
• Joint malformation or instability
• Other medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

If you’re experiencing joint stiffness, pain with movement, or swelling, osteoarthritis may be the cause. At Westlake Sports Medicine, we start with a thorough evaluation—this includes a detailed physical exam, your medical history, and imaging such as X-rays when needed to assess joint health and rule out other causes.

Once we’ve confirmed the diagnosis, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals, activity level, and lifestyle. Our approach emphasizes conservative, non-surgical care—often integrating therapeutic cortisone injections, regenerative medicine (like PRP or exosomes), movement strategies, and performance-based recovery techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and preserve joint function for the long term.

Regenerative Medicine

In some cases, we may recommend regenerative therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or exosome-based treatments to support healing from the inside out. PRP uses concentrated components from your own blood—rich in growth factors—to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair in the affected joint. Exosome therapy delivers powerful cellular messengers that can enhance regeneration and improve joint function.

These advanced, non-surgical options are designed to promote long-term recovery and may be ideal for patients seeking alternatives to medication or more invasive procedures.

Functional & Integrative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, our approach to osteoarthritis goes beyond symptom management—we focus on addressing the root causes of joint degeneration. Depending on your unique needs, we may recommend targeted nutritional strategies, weight optimization, movement-focused physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce inflammation and protect joint health. We also incorporate evidence-informed supplements and natural therapies that support cartilage resilience and whole-body wellness.

Last Resort: Surgery

When conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, surgical options may be considered as a last resort. At Westlake Sports Medicine, we reserve surgery for cases where all other non-invasive approaches have been exhausted.

Depending on your condition, we may discuss procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to remove damaged tissue or smooth joint surfaces. In more advanced cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary—replacing worn-out joint surfaces with prosthetic components to restore mobility and reduce pain.