Osteoarthritis Treatment
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis — a degenerative joint disease that develops as the protective cartilage cushioning your bones gradually wears away. While it can affect any joint in the body, osteoarthritis most commonly impacts the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
At Eastside Family Health Center in Kirkland, WA, Dr. Frank Marinkovich takes a comprehensive, personalized approach to osteoarthritis care — helping patients from Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Woodinville, and Bothell manage symptoms, protect joint function, and stay active. Our goal is not just to reduce your pain today, but to support your long-term quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms often develop gradually and worsen over time. Watch for:
- Joint pain during or after movement
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity
- Swelling around the affected joint
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
- A grating or clicking sensation with movement
- Bone spurs forming around the joint
Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis
- Age: Risk increases as cartilage naturally loses its ability to repair itself over time.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, particularly after menopause.
- Obesity: Excess weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
- Joint Injuries: Previous injuries — even those that healed well — increase long-term risk.
- Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis may raise your likelihood of developing the condition.
- Repetitive Stress: Jobs or activities that repeatedly stress a specific joint can speed deterioration.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions and protects your joints gradually breaks down. Without that protective layer, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. Factors that accelerate this process include:
- Normal wear and tear over decades
- Past joint injuries or trauma
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Metabolic disorders that interfere with normal joint repair
Osteoarthritis Treatment at Eastside Family Health Center
Dr. Marinkovich offers a range of evidence-based, individualized treatment options to help you manage osteoarthritis and maintain an active lifestyle:
- Medication Management: Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers to control symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs designed to improve mobility and strengthen the muscles that support your joints.
- Joint Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and inflammation directly at the source.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Practical guidance on weight management, activity modification, and reducing joint strain in daily life.
- Supportive Devices: Braces, orthotics, and other aids to offload pressure and improve joint stability.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Imaging and clinical assessment to accurately monitor disease progression and adjust your treatment plan over time.
Schedule Your Osteoarthritis Evaluation in Kirkland, WA
Osteoarthritis is progressive, but with the right care you can slow its course, reduce your pain, and stay active doing the things you love. Dr. Marinkovich and the team at Eastside Family Health Center are here to help. Call 425-899-2525 or request an appointment online today.
