What Is Osteoarthritis and How Is It Treated?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in Canada, affecting millions of people and significantly limiting mobility and quality of life. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions your joints wears down, causing bones to rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.

At Silver Pain Centre in North York, Toronto, we help patients manage osteoarthritis at all stages with advanced, image-guided treatments, customized care plans, and a multidisciplinary team of pain specialists. If you’re living with persistent joint pain, getting the right diagnosis and early intervention can make all the difference. 

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops as the cartilage between bones breaks down over time. As this cushion thins, joints lose their ability to move smoothly, causing:

• Friction and inflammation
• Stiffness and swelling
• Reduced shock absorption
• Chronic pain during movement

It most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine, and hands, but any joint in the body can be impacted.

Risk factors include:

• Aging
• Previous joint injuries
• Repetitive stress from work or sports
• Obesity
• Genetics or family history

While osteoarthritis is more common in adults over 50, younger patients can also develop it following injury or overuse.

Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis symptoms typically worsen gradually, making early intervention essential. You may notice:

• Pain during or after movement
• Morning stiffness that improves with activity
• Tenderness or swelling around the joint
• Grinding or popping sensations
• Decreased range of motion
• Joint instability or weakness

In advanced stages, osteoarthritis can significantly limit your ability to walk, climb stairs, work, or engage in daily activities. That’s why we emphasize early, proactive care.

Osteoarthritis Treatments at Silver Pain Centre

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but the right treatment plan can help you regain control, minimize pain, and delay or avoid surgery.

At Silver Pain Centre, your care starts with a thorough assessment, including physical evaluation and image-guided diagnostics (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) to accurately assess joint damage.

Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatments:

• Physiotherapy referrals to strengthen surrounding muscles and protect the joint
• Weight management strategies to reduce joint load
• Pain medications, including NSAIDs or acetaminophen
• Image-guided corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to promote healing and reduce inflammation
• Botox for pain management in some cases of severe joint spasm or dysfunction

In advanced cases, we may refer you for a surgical consultation, including joint replacement or arthroscopic repair, but our goal is always to maximize non-invasive options first.

Living with Osteoarthritis

Managing osteoarthritis involves more than just medical procedures. At Silver Pain Centre, we provide comprehensive support, helping you build daily routines that protect your joints and support long-term function. This may include:

• Low-impact exercise plans (walking, swimming, cycling)
• Assistive devices like braces, orthotics, or canes
• Postural and ergonomic coaching
• Lifestyle and sleep optimization

We believe in empowering our patients with the education and tools needed to take control of their care, not just treat symptoms.

Get Osteoarthritis Help in Toronto

If you’re living with persistent joint pain or have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, Silver Pain Centre is here to help. Our team of physicians, interventional specialists, and support staff offer OHIP-covered consultations, shorter wait times, and access to the most advanced, image-guided treatments in Toronto.

Visit Us: 4646 Dufferin Street, Unit #9, Toronto, ON M3H 5S4
Call Today: (416) 512-6407

Let’s help you move more freely, with less pain, starting today.