Osteoarthritis Treatment in Berlin
Natural therapies for joint pain, cartilage wear and limited mobility
- Careful diagnosis of osteoarthritis and joint problems
- Treatment with exercise, offloading, injections and other conservative methods
- Advice from experienced specialists in orthopedics and pain therapy
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. Over time, the joint cartilage becomes thinner and less resilient. This can cause pain, stiffness, irritation and limited mobility. The knee, hip, shoulder, hand, foot and spine are most commonly affected.
At MVZ VITALIS in Berlin-Buckow, we treat patients with osteoarthritis and joint problems with a focus on conservative therapies. The goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility and keep the affected joint functional in everyday life for as long as possible.
Diagnosis as the basis for therapy
Not every joint pain is automatically osteoarthritis. Symptoms can also be caused by inflammation, injuries, tendon irritation, improper strain or other conditions. That is why osteoarthritis treatment begins with a careful examination.
Our specialists in orthopedics and trauma surgery check which joint is affected, how severe the symptoms are and which movements trigger pain. If necessary, we use imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI to assess the condition of the joint, cartilage, bone and surrounding structures in more detail.
On this basis, we can assess the stage of the osteoarthritis and which therapy makes sense. Sometimes pain relief is the priority. In other cases, the main goal is to calm irritation, regain mobility or delay surgery as long as possible.
Typical symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis often develops slowly. Many people initially notice only occasional pain or some stiffness after periods of rest. Over time, the symptoms can increase. Common signs include:
Start-up pain after sitting or lying down for a long time
Pain under strain when walking, climbing stairs, gripping or lifting
Stiffness and limited mobility
Swelling or irritation in the joint
Grinding, rubbing or a feeling of instability
Protective posture and decreasing resilience in everyday life
How noticeable osteoarthritis is does not depend on the X-ray alone. Some joints look significantly changed and cause few symptoms. Others cause pain earlier. That is why the combination of examination, imaging and everyday situation is always decisive.
Conservative osteoarthritis therapy
As a rule, joint cartilage cannot be fully restored. Nevertheless, conservative treatment can achieve a lot. It can relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, support muscles and joint function and help you cope better with everyday life again.
Which therapy is an option depends on the affected joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and your personal needs. At MVZ VITALIS, the following components, among others, can be part of osteoarthritis treatment:
Injections for osteoarthritis
For certain osteoarthritis symptoms, injections directly into or near the affected joint may be an option. They do not replace exercise therapy or offloading that addresses the cause, but they can be a useful component of conservative treatment, especially since hardly any side effects are to be expected.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the synovial fluid. When injected, it is intended to support the gliding ability of the joint, reduce friction and relieve symptoms. Hyaluronic acid is most commonly used for knee osteoarthritis and, depending on the findings, also for other joints.
In PRP or ACP therapy, the patient's own blood is processed. Platelets and growth factors are concentrated and then applied in a targeted way. The treatment may be considered for certain osteoarthritis and tendon problems and can support regeneration processes in the tissue.
Other treatment options
In addition to joint injections, there are other conservative treatment options. These include:
Insoles, orthoses, braces or shoe modifications can help reduce improper strain and relieve the joints in everyday life. Orthopedic aids can be especially useful for problems in the foot, knee, hip or spine.
Regular, joint-friendly exercise is often an important part of osteoarthritis treatment. It can help build muscle, improve joint guidance and maintain mobility. The right amount of strain is crucial: too little exercise weakens the muscles, while too much strain can worsen symptoms.
When conservative treatments are no longer enough
Many conditions can be treated conservatively for a long time. However, if pain remains severe, mobility decreases significantly or everyday life and walking distance are severely restricted, surgery may become advisable.
In advanced osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, joint replacement may be an option. At MVZ VITALIS, we openly discuss when conservative measures still make sense and when a knee or hip replacement should be considered.
Good to know for patients
FAQ about osteoarthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joint. The joint cartilage gradually becomes thinner and less resilient. This can lead to pain, stiffness, irritation and limited mobility.
Joint cartilage that is already damaged usually cannot be fully restored. However, conservative osteoarthritis treatment can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility and keep the joint functional in everyday life for longer.
Which therapy makes sense depends on the affected joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and the symptoms. Common options include exercise, physiotherapy, physical therapy, offloading, orthopedic aids, pain therapy or injections with hyaluronic acid, PRP or ACP, or in certain cases cortisone.
Hyaluronic acid can be used for certain osteoarthritis symptoms, especially when pain and reduced resilience are the main problems. Whether the treatment is likely to have a positive effect depends on the joint, the stage of osteoarthritis and the individual findings.
PRP or ACP is an autologous blood therapy. Components of the patient's own blood are processed and applied in a targeted way. The platelets and growth factors they contain can support regeneration processes in the body and in the tissue.
Yes, osteoarthritis can basically affect any joint. We frequently see problems in the knee joint, hip joint, thumb saddle joint, finger joints, shoulder, foot or ankle. Small facet joints of the spine can also cause pain due to wear.
No, treatment differs depending on the joint. In knee osteoarthritis, for example, leg alignment, the meniscus, muscles and strain play a role. In hip osteoarthritis, mobility, gait and pain distribution are important. In the hand, the focus is often on grip function, strength and everyday activities.
That is why osteoarthritis therapy does not look the same for everyone. What matters is which joint is affected, how much the cartilage has changed and what should become easier again in everyday life.
An artificial joint is usually only considered when conservative treatments no longer help sufficiently and pain, limited mobility or problems with strain severely and permanently affect everyday life. This most often concerns advanced osteoarthritis of the knee or hip.
Do you have questions about osteoarthritis treatment or would you like to have your joint problems evaluated? Then feel free to book an appointment for an orthopedic consultation at MVZ VITALIS in Berlin-Buckow.
Book an appointment for osteoarthritis therapy now
Do you have joint pain, osteoarthritis, limited mobility or problems when walking, climbing stairs, gripping or bearing weight? Then feel free to book an appointment at MVZ VITALIS, Center for Orthopedics and Pain Therapy in Berlin-Buckow.
After a thorough examination, our orthopedic specialists will advise you on which conservative treatment options are suitable for your osteoarthritis.