Osteoarthritis Care in Collegeville, PA
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. A personalized plan can reduce pain and keep you active.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) develops when the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears down and the surrounding bone and tissues change. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Age, past joint injury, body weight, and family history all play a role.
Common symptoms
- Joint pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest
- Brief stiffness after rest, usually lasting under 30 minutes
- Mild swelling or tenderness around the joint
- Grinding or crackling sensations with movement
- Bony enlargement at the finger joints
- Reduced range of motion
How osteoarthritis is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a joint examination, and X-rays can show cartilage loss and bone changes. Blood tests do not diagnose osteoarthritis, but they may be used to rule out inflammatory types of arthritis that need different treatment.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on strengthening exercise, physical therapy, weight management when appropriate, and activity changes. Pain relief may include topical or oral anti-inflammatory medication and joint injections performed in the office. When joints are severely damaged, we can coordinate a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shady Abdelbaki, MD · Last reviewed October 25, 2026
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis
Is osteoarthritis just caused by getting older?
Age is a major factor, but it is not the only one. Past injuries, joint overuse, weight, and genetics also contribute, and many older adults have little or no joint pain.
Will exercise damage my arthritic joints?
Appropriate exercise generally helps. Strong muscles support and protect the joint, and regular movement reduces stiffness and pain.
Can joint injections help osteoarthritis?
Corticosteroid injections can ease pain and swelling in an arthritic joint, sometimes for weeks to months, and they can be done in the office. They work best as one part of a plan that also includes exercise, physical therapy, and weight management when appropriate, and the number of injections is limited because repeated use can affect the joint.
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