Osteoarthritis in Santa Rosa, CA

Living with chronic pain and stiffness in your spine can be incredibly challenging, affecting your daily activities and overall quality of life. You may be experiencing difficulty moving around, engaging in your favorite activities, or even getting a good night’s sleep. The persistent pain and reduced mobility can make you feel frustrated and helpless.

At Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates in Santa Rosa, CA, we understand how osteoarthritis can impact your life. Our dedicated team specializes in diagnosing and treating issues in the spine, helping you regain your mobility and reduce pain. With our advanced care,  you can find relief and get back to doing the things you love. 

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. In simple terms, it’s the wear and tear of the cartilage — the cushion between your joints — that leads to bones rubbing against each other. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, it frequently develops in the spine.

When it occurs in the spine, osteoarthritis is often due to the degeneration of the discs and facet joints. These parts of the spine help with movement and flexibility, but over time, they can wear down from stress, overuse, or injury. This wear and tear leads to the bones in your spine rubbing together, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.

Osteoarthritis tends to get worse over time, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Symptoms develop slowly over time. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Loss of flexibility
• Sometimes, bone spurs can develop from the friction created by the spine rubbing together.

Treatment Options

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, meaning it is not curable. However, several effective treatment options are available to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. These options include:

Anti-inflammatory Medication

These medications can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly used, but we can also prescribe stronger medications if needed. These medications target the inflammation that contributes to your pain and stiffness, providing much-needed relief.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of osteoarthritis treatment. We can refer you to a skilled physical therapist who will work with you to develop a customized exercise and rehabilitation program. The goal is to strengthen the muscles around your spine, improve your flexibility, and reduce pain. Through targeted exercises and stretches, physical therapy can help you regain movement and function, making daily activities easier and more comfortable.

Injections

For some patients, injections can provide significant relief from osteoarthritis pain. Corticosteroid injections are often used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joints. Additionally, hyaluronic acid injections can help lubricate the joints, making movement smoother and less painful. These injections can offer long-lasting relief so you can engage in physical therapy and other activities with less discomfort.

Lifestyle Changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact your symptoms. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can help maintain joint mobility and strengthen the muscles around the spine. You’ll also want to try to maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can strain your spine and exacerbate symptoms. We recommend adopting a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding activities that put undue stress on your spine.

Why Choose Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates? 

At Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional care for spine-related issues, including osteoarthritis. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals, such as Dr. Alexander Iezza, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Iezza completed his spine fellowship at Stanford University, where he also served as a clinical instructor in the Department of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery. With an impressive educational background, Dr. Iezza brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our practice. His dedication to comprehensive spine care ensures that our patients receive the highest quality treatment.

In addition to Dr. Iezza, our team includes Natalie Marks, PA-C, a certified physician assistant with nearly a decade of experience in orthopaedics. Ms. Marks has been with Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates since 2007 and has extensive training in various surgical specialties, including orthopaedics, general surgery, and major vascular surgery. She assists our surgeons with procedures, wound closure, and joint injections. 

At Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, you can trust that you are in the hands of experienced and dedicated professionals committed to improving your spine health.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Osteoarthritis Preventable?

While you can’t completely prevent osteoarthritis, you can reduce your risk and delay its onset. Maintain a healthy weight to lessen joint stress, get regular exercise to keep your joints flexible, and strengthen supporting muscles. Avoid repetitive stress and injuries by practicing good posture and proper lifting techniques. A balanced diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, along with staying hydrated and avoiding smoking, also supports joint health. These proactive measures can help you maintain healthier joints for longer.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Osteoarthritis in the Spine?

While osteoarthritis is more common in older adults due to the natural aging process, several other factors can increase the risk. These include a family history of osteoarthritis, being overweight or obese, having jobs or hobbies that place repetitive stress on the spine, and having previous injuries to the spine. Women are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men.

How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing osteoarthritis involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and imaging tests. During a physical exam, we’ll check for signs of joint swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs can provide detailed pictures of the spine, revealing the extent of cartilage breakdown and the presence of bone spurs. Your doctor may perform blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis.

Can Osteoarthritis Occur in Younger Individuals?

Yes, osteoarthritis can occur in younger individuals, though it is less common. Factors that can contribute to early onset osteoarthritis include genetic predisposition, joint injuries, repetitive stress on the joints from sports or physically demanding jobs, and obesity. In younger individuals, the focus is often on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatments.

Regain Your Mobility and Comfort

Living with osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean living with constant pain and discomfort. At Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, we want to help you find the right solutions to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our expert team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Don’t let osteoarthritis hold you back any longer.

Redwood Orthopaedic Surgery Associates proudly serves patients from Santa Rosa, CA, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at 707-544-3400 or fill out our Contact Form here.