Osteoarthritis · Guadalajara
Osteoarthritis: assessment and treatment in Guadalajara
Osteoarthritis is the wear of a joint’s cartilage, mostly in the knees, hips, hands and spine. With a long-term plan, many people control their pain well and stay active. We help you build yours.
Free and with no commitment, from home by video call.
- Physician and surgeon
- Free video call assessment
- Office in Providencia
What is osteoarthritis?
Over time the cartilage thins and the bone responds by forming osteophytes ("spurs"). It progresses slowly and mainly affects the joints that carry the most load.
Age
Wear-related changes can start from age 40 or 50.
Excess weight and overload
More load on the knees and hips.
Previous injuries
Such as meniscus or ligament tears.
Family history
It can also appear earlier because of genetics.
How it feels
- Pain with movement
- Worse when walking or bearing weight, better with rest.
- Brief stiffness
- In the morning, lasting less than 30 minutes.
- When getting up
- It hurts after sitting for a long time or when climbing stairs.
- Little inflammation
- The joint is rarely hot or red.
If stiffness lasts more than 30 to 60 minutes or several joints swell at once, it may be arthritis, which is treated differently.
When to book an assessment
- The pain is getting worse or limits your daily life.
- The joint swells often or does not settle with rest.
- You are not sure whether it is osteoarthritis or arthritis.
- You already have a diagnosis and want to review your options.
How we work
How we assess it
Osteoarthritis is managed over the long term, so we also look at your weight, your sleep and your activity.
Video call assessment
We review where it hurts, since when and which tests you have. It is free.
Confirming the diagnosis
An X-ray helps, but it is read together with your symptoms: some people have a lot of wear and little pain, and the other way around. If we suspect arthritis, we order lab tests.
A long-term plan
Pain control, exercise, weight and sleep. In selected cases, injections.
Follow-up
Scheduled check-ups and adjustments based on how you are doing.
Treatment options
We build the plan around the joint, how much it hurts and how much it limits you.
Exercise and strengthening
Low-impact activity and muscle strength, with physical therapy if needed. Together with weight control, it is the foundation of the plan.
Weight control
Less load on the joints when walking.
Medication
For pain or inflammation, only when prescribed by a doctor.
Injections
In selected cases. Hyaluronic acid, for example, can relieve pain in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
Surgery
When the wear is advanced and does not respond to other measures. If that is your case, we tell you and refer you to the right specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Can osteoarthritis be controlled?
Yes. It is managed over the long term, and many people control their symptoms well with exercise, weight control and other measures.
At what age does osteoarthritis start?
Wear-related changes can start from age 40 or 50, but they also appear earlier after injuries, because of excess weight or genetics. Not everyone with changes on an X-ray has symptoms.
Is osteoarthritis the same as arthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage; arthritis is inflammation of the joint from causes such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. The pain can feel similar, but they are treated differently, and a person can have both.
What is hyaluronic acid used for?
It improves joint lubrication and can relieve pain in some cases of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. In the assessment we see whether it is an option for you.
Am I a candidate for treatment?
That is what your free assessment is for: we review your case and your tests (if you don't have any, we tell you which ones to get) and explain which options make sense for you.
How much does it cost?
The first assessment is free. If you decide to go ahead with a treatment, we give you the full cost before starting, with no surprises.
Do I have to come to the office for the assessment?
No. The assessment is by video call, from home. If you decide to go ahead with a treatment, it is done at the office in Providencia, Guadalajara, by appointment.
Information prepared by Dr. Belinda Martínez, physician and surgeon.
Read before your appointment
Guides reviewed by the doctor.
Book your free assessment
Bring your tests and your questions. We review your case, and by the end of the call you know your options.
By video call, free and with no commitment.
Location
Office in Providencia
The free assessment is by video call. Treatments take place here, by appointment.
- Address
- Buenos Aires 2818, Providencia 4a. Secc, 44639
Guadalajara, Jalisco - Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
By appointment only