Osteoarthritis Pain Treatment in Granada Hills, CA
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, causing progressive joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function that can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday life. At Modern Pain Solutions, Dr. Jungjae Lim provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatment options to manage osteoarthritis pain, protect joint health, and help patients throughout Granada Hills and the San Fernando Valley stay active and functional without rushing into joint replacement surgery.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease caused by the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage — the smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones within a joint. As cartilage wears away, the bones beneath begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually bony changes such as spurs (osteophytes). OA most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, though it can occur in any joint.
While primarily associated with aging, osteoarthritis is also influenced by prior joint injury, obesity, repetitive joint stress, and genetics. At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, CA , Dr. Lim takes a joint-preserving approach to OA management — offering advanced, non-surgical therapies designed to reduce pain, slow degeneration, and improve function for as long as possible.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Morning stiffness that eases within 30 minutes of movement
- A grinding, clicking, or crunching sensation in the joint (crepitus)
- Swelling around the affected joint
- Reduced range of motion and flexibility
- Bony enlargements around the joint in advanced cases
Osteoarthritis Treatments at Modern Pain Solutions
Dr. Lim offers a non-surgical, joint-preserving approach to osteoarthritis management including corticosteroid injections and viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections) for the knee and hip, PRP therapy to stimulate cartilage repair and reduce joint inflammation, and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) for advanced regenerative therapy. For OA-related spinal conditions, our back and neck pain services and MIS procedures are also available. See our full hip and knee pain page for related information. Call (818) 826-4145 to discuss your joint health with Dr. Lim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoarthritis
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by mechanical wear and breakdown of cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone. OA typically affects joints asymmetrically and is strongly associated with age, prior injury, and mechanical stress. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect joints symmetrically and is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fatigue and morning stiffness lasting more than an hour. Dr. Lim can evaluate your joint pain and determine which type — and which treatment approach — applies to your situation.
Can osteoarthritis be reversed?
Cartilage loss from osteoarthritis cannot be fully reversed with current treatments, but the progression of OA can be significantly slowed, and pain and function can be substantially improved with the right interventional approach. Regenerative therapies such as PRP therapy and BMAC have shown promise in stimulating cartilage repair and reducing joint inflammation. Early treatment preserves more cartilage and keeps patients active longer — making timely evaluation at Modern Pain Solutions worthwhile.
Is viscosupplementation effective for knee osteoarthritis?
Viscosupplementation — injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint to restore lubrication — is an effective option for many patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, particularly those who have not had adequate relief from corticosteroid injections. It is especially useful for patients who want to delay joint replacement. The effects typically develop gradually over several weeks and may last six months or longer. Dr. Lim will assess whether viscosupplementation is appropriate for your level of arthritis during your consultation.
How is PRP different from a cortisone injection for arthritis?
Corticosteroid injections reduce joint inflammation quickly, often providing rapid but temporary relief. PRP therapy takes longer to show results but works by stimulating your body’s own repair mechanisms — concentrating healing growth factors from your blood and injecting them directly into the joint. PRP does not suppress the immune system, can be repeated without risk of tissue degradation, and may produce more durable results than corticosteroids for osteoarthritis. Many patients benefit from both approaches used at different stages of their care.
When should I consider joint replacement for osteoarthritis?
Joint replacement is generally considered when all appropriate non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments have failed to provide adequate relief over a sustained period, and when the joint destruction is severe enough to significantly limit daily function. At Modern Pain Solutions, Dr. Lim’s goal is to help you manage your osteoarthritis pain and protect your joint for as long as possible through targeted interventional and regenerative therapies — delaying the need for surgery and preserving your quality of life in the meantime.
Can osteoarthritis affect the spine?
Yes. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the facet joints of the spine — the small paired joints at each spinal level that guide motion and bear load. Spinal OA contributes to back and neck pain, stiffness, and can accelerate the development of conditions such as spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Dr. Lim treats spinal osteoarthritis with facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation, and more advanced structural changes may be addressed through our minimally invasive spine program.
Does exercise help or hurt osteoarthritis?
Low-impact exercise is one of the most beneficial things an osteoarthritis patient can do. Regular movement — particularly swimming, cycling, and walking — helps maintain muscle strength around the joint, reduces stiffness, supports healthy cartilage nutrition, and improves overall function. High-impact activities that repeatedly stress the affected joint should be moderated. Dr. Lim can advise on appropriate activity levels as part of your overall treatment plan and coordinate with physical therapy to ensure you exercise in a way that supports rather than worsens your condition.