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By: Our Medical Team | March 24, 2026

Does Osteoarthritis Cause Joint Pain?

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease, is a condition that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually breaks down.

Healthy cartilage allows joints to move smoothly.
When cartilage thins or deteriorates:

• Bones begin to rub together
• Inflammation increases
• Joint motion becomes painful
• Stiffness and swelling develop

Osteoarthritis most often affects:

• Knees
• Hips
• Spine
• Hands
• Shoulders

It is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of chronic joint pain.

Could Osteoarthritis Be Causing My Joint Pain?

Osteoarthritis is frequently responsible for joint pain, especially in weight-bearing joints.

As cartilage degenerates, people may notice:

• Joint stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity)
• Tenderness when touching the joint
• Aching pain with movement
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion
• Grinding or popping sensations

However, osteoarthritis is not the only cause of joint pain.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Joint Pain

Joint pain can also result from:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
• Lupus
• Bursitis
• Gout
• Tendinitis or tennis elbow
• Joint or bone infections
• Fractures or previous injuries
• Overuse or repetitive strain
• Cartilage injuries such as chondromalacia

Because symptoms can overlap, an accurate diagnosis is essential before starting treatment.

How Is Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Treated?

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on:

• Reducing inflammation
• Improving joint function
• Slowing degeneration
• Supporting tissue healing

At Southwest Spine & Sports, patients receive personalized evaluations to determine the most effective approach for their condition.

Can PRP Injections Help Osteoarthritis Pain?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a biologic treatment used to help reduce osteoarthritis joint pain.

PRP therapy works by:

1. Drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood
2. Concentrating the platelets and growth factors
3. Injecting the PRP into the painful joint
4. Stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation

Because PRP uses the body’s own growth factors, it is considered a natural, minimally invasive option for joint pain management.

Benefits of PRP for Joint Pain

PRP therapy may provide:

• Support for natural tissue repair
• Reduction in joint inflammation
• Minimally invasive treatment with little downtime
• Potential long-lasting symptom relief
• Improved mobility and joint comfort

Many patients choose PRP as a non-surgical option to help manage osteoarthritis symptoms.

When Should I See a Specialist for Joint Pain?

You should consider evaluation if you have:

• Joint pain lasting more than several weeks
• Stiffness that limits daily movement
• Swelling or warmth in a joint
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Reduced ability to walk, bend, or grip

A medical assessment helps determine whether osteoarthritis or another condition is responsible.

Osteoarthritis Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ

At Southwest Spine & Sports, Michael Wolff, MD provides advanced diagnostic and regenerative treatment options to help patients regain comfort and mobility.

During a consultation, Dr. Wolff will:

• Evaluate your symptoms and joint function
• Identify the underlying cause of pain
• Discuss treatment options such as PRP or biologic therapies
• Create a personalized plan to help restore mobility and quality of life

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Southwest Spine & Sports Joint and Limb Pain PRP Biologic Therapy