Osteoarthritis & Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis and joint pain are common conditions that affect individuals of all activity levels.

Assessing Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain

These conditions result from wear and tear on the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. At GC Sports Med, we specialise in diagnosing and treating joint-related conditions to improve function and quality of life.

The Role of Cortisone in Diagnosis & Treatment

Cortisone injections serve both a diagnostic and therapeutic role in managing musculoskeletal conditions:

Diagnostic Use: If a cortisone injection provides significant temporary relief, it confirms that the targeted area is the primary pain source.

Therapeutic Use: It can reduce inflammation and pain, particularly in conditions such as tendinopathies, bursitis, and joint inflammation.

Common Sports and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Foot & Ankle Osteoarthritis

Affects the small joints of the foot and ankle, causing stiffness and pain.

Treatment Options:

  • Rehabilitation programs to improve mobility and strength.
  • Bracing and splinting for joint stability.
  • Corticosteroid injections for inflammation relief.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections to improve joint lubrication.
  • PRP injections for pain management

Bunions

A bony deformity at the base of the big toe, leading to pain and difficulty in footwear.

Treatment Options:

  • Assessment to determine severity and need for injectable intervention or surgical referral.
  • Bracing and splinting to alleviate pressure.
  • Rehabilitation exercises for foot strengthening.
  • Corticosteroid injections for inflammation relief.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections to improve joint lubrication.
  • PRP injections for pain management

Knee Osteoarthritis 

Characterised by cartilage degeneration, leading to pain and stiffness in the knee.

Treatment Options:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Osteoarthritis management plan (including weight loss when required)
  • Rehabilitation programs and advice re appropriate activities
  • Unloader knee brace (if indicated)
  • Corticosteroid injections to manage inflammation.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections for joint cushioning and pain management
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for pain management

Hip Osteoarthritis

Causes pain and reduced mobility due to cartilage breakdown in the hip joint.

Treatment Options:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Osteoarthritis management plan (including weight loss when required)
  • Rehabilitation programs and advice re appropriate activities
  • Corticosteroid injections to manage inflammation.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections for joint cushioning and pain management
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for pain management

Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Leads to pain and restricted movement in the shoulder joint.

Treatment Options:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Rehabilitation plan.
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections for joint cushioning and pain management
  • PRP therapy for cartilage support and pain management

Elbow, Wrist & Hand Arthritis

Commonly seen in repetitive motion injuries or degenerative changes.

Treatment Options:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Rehabilitation plan.
  • Bracing and splinting for joint support.
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections for joint cushioning and pain management
  • PRP therapy for cartilage support.

Osteoarthritis

Progressive cartilage loss leads to pain and joint dysfunction.

Treatment Options:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Rehabilitation plan.
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections for joint cushioning and pain management
  • PRP therapy for cartilage support. Pain management

OUR APPROACH

1

ASSESSMENT

Identifying the underlying cause of joint pain through clinical history/examination and diagnostic imaging.

2

REHAB

Offering tailored exercise programs to improve mobility and strength.

3

TREATMENT

Providing evidence-based treatments, including injections, rehabilitation, and bracing.

4

MANAGEMENT

Provision of osteoarthritis management plan which covers both short and long-term management principles.

Book your assessment today

Osteoarthritis and joint pain can impact daily function and physical activity, but effective treatment options are available. Our team at GC Sports Med provides expert care to relieve pain and enhance joint health. If you are experiencing joint discomfort, book an appointment to discuss the best treatment options for your condition.