Arthritis Therapy
Treatments
Osteoarthritis therapy focuses on the targeted treatment of joint degeneration and the associated musculoskeletal complaints. Since worn cartilage does not regenerate on its own, osteoarthritis specialist Dr. Pittl in Innsbruck focuses on conservative and regenerative treatments to delay or completely avoid surgical interventions.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases. It primarily affects the knee, hip, ankle, and foot. Those affected often suffer for years from pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility without even knowing what osteoarthritis treatment options are available today.
Through his multimodal treatment approach, Dr. Pittl, as an orthopedic specialist for osteoarthritis, supports patients in reducing pain, actively maintaining joint function, and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.
What is Osteoarthritis Therapy?
Osteoarthritis therapy encompasses all medical measures for treating joint cartilage damage and its associated symptoms. Through targeted osteoarthritis treatment, it is possible to reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow the progression of the disease. In addition to cartilage degeneration, Dr. Pittl also considers muscular, biomechanical, and inflammatory factors and creates an individualized osteoarthritis therapy for you that combines various conservative and regenerative procedures. Surgical interventions are only considered when all non-operative measures have been exhausted.
Dr. Gregor Pittl
Specialist in Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology
Common Applications of Osteoarthritis Therapy
Osteoarthritis therapy at Dr. Pittl’s practice is directed at patients with complaints in the following joints:
- Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis): pain when climbing stairs, start-up pain, swelling
- Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis): groin pain, restricted mobility when walking
- Ankle osteoarthritis: pain during impact absorption, instability, restricted rolling motion
- Osteoarthritis in the foot: complaints when standing and walking, toe misalignment
- Bone marrow oedema: painful bone marrow loss as a side effect or precursor to osteoarthritis
Early-stage osteoarthritis in younger patients: e.g. following sports injuries or due to malalignments
When is osteoarthritis therapy useful & how long does it work?
Targeted osteoarthritis therapy is useful as soon as joint complaints restrict daily life, mobility, or sporting activities, regardless of the stage of the osteoarthritis. Particularly when treatment begins early, cartilage degeneration can often be significantly slowed down. Many conservative measures lead to a lasting reduction in pain, especially when applied regularly and in combination.
The effect and duration of osteoarthritis therapy vary depending on the method and individual findings:
- Infiltrations often take effect within a few days and can last for several weeks to months.
- Regenerative procedures such as ACP autologous blood therapy often show a slowly building, sustainable effect.
- Multimodal osteoarthritis treatment—the combination of several approaches—usually achieves the best and most lasting results.
Procedure
Anamnesis and Examination
Recording the history of complaints, location and intensity of joint pain, assessment of mobility and load-bearing capacity.
Diagnostic Classification
Imaging diagnostics (X-ray, MRI) to assess the condition of the cartilage, any malalignments, and accompanying structural changes. Decision on which forms of therapy can be sensibly combined.
Therapy Planning
Creation of an individual treatment plan taking into account all relevant factors – severity, joint, life circumstances, sporting activity, treatment goal.
Implementation
Precise implementation of the chosen measures. If required, infiltrations are ultrasound-guided for safe and exact application.
Follow-up
Regular assessment of the success of the therapy and adjustment of the osteoarthritis treatment if necessary.
Treatment Options in Conservative Osteoarthritis Therapy
- Shockwave therapy (ESWT) for painful bone marrow oedema and irritation of structures near the joint
- Magnetic field therapy (EMTT) to support bone metabolism, for osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint processes
- ACP autologous blood therapy to reduce inflammation and improve joint function through the body’s own growth factors
- Physiotherapy to strengthen joint-stabilising muscles, for mobilisation and gait optimisation
- Infiltrations with anti-inflammatory or joint-lubricating substances for acute and chronic complaints
- Insole provision and orthopedic aids for biomechanical relief of affected joints
- Taping and functional bandages for stabilisation and pain reduction in everyday life
Make an appointment at our practice.
Dr. Gregor Pittl
Osteoarthritis therapy offers a wide range of options for treating joint degeneration and is a central component of modern conservative orthopedics. With a multimodal approach, even advanced findings can be effectively treated in many cases. If you suffer from joint pain and are looking for sound osteoarthritis treatment, seek advice from an experienced osteoarthritis specialist. A consultation with Dr. Pittl in Innsbruck is also possible as part of a private practice appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Osteoarthritis Therapy?
Osteoarthritis therapy encompasses all non-surgical measures for treating joint cartilage damage: from injections and regenerative procedures like ACP to physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and orthopedic aids.
What helps with knee or hip osteoarthritis?
Targeted infiltrations, ACP autologous blood therapy, magnetic field and shockwave therapy, as well as joint-strengthening physiotherapy have proven effective. Orthopedic insoles and adjusting physical activity also play an important role.
When should I see an orthopedist for osteoarthritis?
If you have persistent joint pain or restricted mobility, an early assessment is advisable.
How long does osteoarthritis treatment take?
This depends on the severity and the joint involved. Individual measures such as injections provide short-term relief, while a comprehensive treatment program usually extends over several weeks to months and is individually customized.
Is osteoarthritis therapy painful?
Most procedures are well tolerated and are customized to the individual.
