Forty-three million Americans suffer from arthritis pain and, not surprisingly, joint pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting Northern California Orthopedic Centers. In patients with osteoarthritis, the joint’s cartilage lining wears away, allowing the bones to rub against each other, resulting in friction, swelling, stiffness, instability, and, sometimes, deformity. Trauma or direct injury to the joint can also cause osteoarthritis.

Arthritis pain can usually be managed without surgery, using more conservative treatments like steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. In some cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure may effectively relieve pain and restore mobility. At our Osteoarthritis Center, our specialists believe in using conservative intervention whenever possible.