Understanding Osteoarthritis — and How Fast Pace Orthopedics Can Help

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind of arthritis. It happens when the cushion (cartilage) between your bones wears down. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. OA can affect many parts of your body, but it’s most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

At Fast Pace Orthopedics, we understand how joint pain can limit your life. Our team is here to help you feel better, move more easily, and stay active.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis usually develops over time. Some things that can raise your risk include:

• Aging – Your joints wear out as you get older
• Previous joint injuries – Like from sports or accidents
• Extra weight – Adds stress to your knees and hips
• Genetics – Family history of OA
• Joint overuse – Jobs or sports that strain the same joints
• Bone or joint problems – Some people are born with joints that wear down faster.

Common Symptoms of OA

If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be osteoarthritis:

• Pain in a joint after moving
• Stiffness after resting or waking up
• Swelling near a joint
• Trouble moving the joint fully
• A grinding or popping sound when moving

How Fast Pace Orthopedics Can Help

We focus on helping you feel better without surgery. Our providers will:

1. Do a Full Exam

We’ll check your joints, review your health history, and may use X-rays to see how much damage there is.

2. Create a Custom Treatment Plan

We build a plan just for you. It may include:

• Medicine – Like ibuprofen or steroid pills to reduce pain and swelling
• Joint Injections – To ease pain and stiffness
• Braces or Inserts – To support your joints
• Physical Therapy Referrals – For exercises that build strength and improve movement
• Lifestyle Tips – Like low-impact exercise, healthy eating, and weight loss strategies

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Living with OA can be hard—but you’re not alone. Our Fast Pace Orthopedics team is here to help you stay active and enjoy life again.

If joint pain or stiffness is slowing you down, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you move better and feel better.

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References:

UpToDate. (2023a). Patient education: Osteoarthritis (The Basics). Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/osteoarthritis-the-basics

UpToDate. (2023b). Patient education: Osteoarthritis (Beyond the Basics). Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/osteoarthritis-beyond-the-basics