Arthritis

The patterns are different. OA typically affects weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, lower back) and worsens with activity. Morning stiffness is brief. Joints are often affected one or two at a time. RA typically affects multiple joints symmetrically (both wrists, both knees), comes with morning stiffness lasting more than thirty minutes, and may include systemic symptoms like fatigue. Blood work and clinical evaluation confirm the difference.

Cartilage wear that has already happened cannot be fully reversed. But arthritis progression can be slowed, the joint environment can be improved, and pain can be substantially reduced. For many patients, the goal is not reversal; it is maintaining function and avoiding surgery for years or decades.

Often, yes. Many patients told they need joint replacement respond well to combined regenerative therapy and weight management. We help patients defer surgery, sometimes indefinitely. Surgery remains appropriate for severe end-stage cases where the joint has structural damage beyond what regenerative therapy can address.

Highly individual, but common patterns: a deep aching that worsens with use and improves with rest (OA), morning stiffness that takes time to loosen (both OA and RA), sharp pain with specific movements (often from compensatory mechanics), grinding or catching sensations, and pain that disturbs sleep when severe.

The right exercise reduces arthritis pain and slows progression. The wrong exercise can accelerate it. Low-impact movement, strength training to support the joint, and flexibility work all help. High-impact loading on already-arthritic joints often worsens the problem. We help you build the right program.

PRP results often emerge over two to six months and last six months to over a year, depending on the joint and severity. For knee osteoarthritis specifically, HA injections typically deliver six to twelve months of meaningful relief from a single series. Many patients return for periodic maintenance series.

Yes, and we frequently do. PRP regenerates damaged tissue. Laser reduces inflammation. For knee osteoarthritis, HA can also be layered in to restore joint cushioning. Each addresses something the others cannot, and combined protocols are often more effective than any single modality.

Many of our arthritis patients have. Cortisone offers temporary relief but does not address the underlying cartilage wear. Repeated cortisone can actually accelerate cartilage damage. PRP works on the joint itself and often helps patients who have stopped responding to cortisone.

Cost depends on which therapies we use and the length of your plan. Laser therapy is the most accessible entry point. PRP represents a larger investment, but often replaces the cost of surgery, ongoing pain medication, or repeated cortisone injections. Exact pricing is provided during your consultation.

Joint Freedom does not bill insurance directly. Regenerative therapies are typically not insurance-covered. HA injections for the knee may have partial coverage in some plans. We accept HSA and FSA payments for eligible treatments.