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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), sometimes called “wear and tear” arthritis, is one of the most common conditions affecting us as we age. The damage can’t be reversed, but we will help you with the pain and slow the progress of OA. 

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Your OA care from the team that developed the guidelines

With OA, the cartilage in the joints gradually breaks down. We are constantly pushing the envelope to get you relief from your pain and restore function as much as possible, as soon as possible.

Physical Therapist, Andrea Sadler, working with patient on knee pain at the MelroseWakefield Hospital 888 Main rehabilitation office.
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Conditions

You don’t have to live with the symptoms of OA. Finding the right treatment is our top priority so that you can return to doing what is a priority to you. We can get you relief for conditions such as:

Back pain
Bone spurs
Grating sensation
Hand pain
Hip pain
Joint pain
Loss of flexibility
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Tenderness
Wrist pain
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Testing

We will use imaging and blood tests to find the cause of your pain. Tests may include:

  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
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Treatments

We will develop a care plan that may include medication, therapies and possible surgery to help get you back to what you love. Your personalized treatment plan may include:

  • Braces
  • Physical therapy
  • Injections of medications into the joint
  • Oral medications
  • Topical medications
  • Surgery

One major research program is our study of complementary and alternative medicine, including Tai Chi for chronic rheumatic diseases. 

Osteoarthritis-related MR image biomarkers

We use customized software to measure the OA-related issues you may be experiencing. Using MRI or X-ray, we can explore the signs and progression (biomarkers) of your osteoarthritis, such as damage to the cartilage, a lesion in the bone marrow or swelling in the joint lining.

  • Cartilage damage index (CDI)
  • Bone Marrow Lesion
  • Effusion-Synovitis volume
  • Bone Volume Fraction (BVF)
  • Cartilage denudation
  • Bone Marrow Density (BMD)
Complementary + integrative medicine

We will help you improve your outcome from chronic medical conditions and prevention, such as OA. We study, develop and put into action different treatments and therapies that provide the highest quality of clinical care for you.

We have three areas of focus:

  • Conduct clinical scientific research projects in complementary and integrative medicine therapies.
  • Provide ongoing professional development and training in the clinical research of integrative medicine for pre-doctoral and post-doctoral candidates.
  • Present evidence that can help implement effective integrative medicine practices and improve the clinical care and health of patients with chronic diseases.
Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.

Family physician Sarwada Tuladhar Jha, MD talking to patient during exam at a clinic appointment and inputting health information at the computer.
Our doctors + care team

Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.

Tai Chi and Microbiota in Osteoarthritis Study
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Osteoarthritis
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All genders
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