Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears down over time. While it can affect any joint, it most commonly involves the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Symptoms develop slowly and worsen over time — they include joint pain during or after movement, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), tenderness, loss of flexibility, a grating sensation, bone spurs, and swelling. Risk factors include age, previous joint injury, obesity, genetics, and occupations that place repetitive stress on particular joints.

Dr. Zhou diagnoses osteoarthritis through a physical examination of the affected joints — checking for tenderness, swelling, redness, range of motion, and crepitus (a crackling sound). X-rays can reveal cartilage loss shown by narrowing of joint space, bone spurs, and other bony changes. In some cases, MRI provides more detailed images of cartilage, menisci, and soft tissues. It is important to rule out other causes of joint pain, such as inflammatory arthritis or nerve-related pain. When symptoms overlap with nerve conditions, Dr. Zhou may use EMG studies to clarify whether nerve involvement is contributing to your symptoms.

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, Dr. Zhou offers a range of treatments to manage pain, improve function, and slow progression. A personalized rehabilitation program is the foundation — targeted exercises strengthen the muscles supporting affected joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Weight management is emphasized for weight-bearing joints. Joint injections (corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid) can provide significant relief. Regenerative medicine approaches, including PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, may help promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Dr. Zhou takes a multi-modal approach, combining therapies to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient.