{"id":14963,"date":"2025-10-09T17:33:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T17:33:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/?p=14963"},"modified":"2025-10-09T17:33:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T17:33:59","slug":"what-are-the-4-stages-of-osteoarthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/what-are-the-4-stages-of-osteoarthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The four stages of <a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/osteoarthritis-treatment-in-tampa-fl\/\">osteoarthritis<\/a> range from minor cartilage changes (Stage 1) to severe bone-on-bone damage (Stage 4).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Knowing which stage you\u2019re in helps guide treatment options and the earlier you act, the more you can slow or even stop progression.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Osteoarthritis (OA) doesn\u2019t appear overnight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It develops gradually as cartilage, the smooth, protective tissue that cushions your joints, begins to wear away. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Over time, this leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain that can limit movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in helping patients address joint pain early using advanced, non-surgical treatments such as <a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/prp\/\">PRP<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/cell-therapy-ortho-biologics\/\">stem cell therapy<\/a>, and prolotherapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here\u2019s a closer look at what happens in each stage of osteoarthritis and how you can take control of your joint health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href='https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/contact-us\/' class='big-button bigblue'>GET RELIEF FROM YOUR ARTHRITIS<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What Is Osteoarthritis?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/osteoarthritis-treatment-in-tampa-fl\/\">Osteoarthritis<\/a> is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage between bones breaks down, causing friction, pain, and stiffness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, though it can occur in any joint.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cartilage loss triggers inflammation in the synovial lining, leads to bone spurs (<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28031516\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">osteophytes<\/a>), and causes joint space narrowing that worsens over time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Understanding which stage you\u2019re in helps doctors match you with the best treatment plan for preserving joint health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">How Doctors Identify Osteoarthritis Stages<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Doctors often use the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading scale, a radiographic system that classifies osteoarthritis into four stages based on X-rays.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Imaging helps identify:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cartilage loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bone spurs<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Subchondral bone thickening<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Joint space narrowing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In some cases, advanced tools like MRI or cartilage mapping detect early changes before they appear on X-rays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is especially useful in Stage 1 and 2 OA, where symptoms may be mild but joint changes are already underway.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Key takeaway:<\/strong> Early imaging and evaluation can reveal cartilage damage long before symptoms become severe, giving you time to act.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href='https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/contact-us\/' class='big-button bigblue'>GET HELP WITH YOUR ARTHRITIS EARLY<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 1: Minor or Early Osteoarthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In Stage 1, subtle cartilage wear begins, but most people don\u2019t feel pain yet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What\u2019s happening inside the joint:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Small bone spurs (osteophytes) start forming<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cartilage shows early thinning<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Synovial inflammation is minimal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common Stage 1 Symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Occasional stiffness after rest or activity<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Slight discomfort, often dismissed as \u201cnormal aging\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">No major mobility issues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Treatment Focus For Stage 1<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 1 is your window of prevention. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Focus on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Low-impact exercise (swimming, cycling)<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nutritional support for cartilage and joint tissue<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Biomechanical alignment through physical therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At this stage, lifestyle modification and preventive care can often stop OA from advancing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 2: Mild Osteoarthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By Stage 2, cartilage breakdown becomes visible on X-rays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The joint space narrows slightly, and bone spurs grow more pronounced.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What\u2019s happening inside the joint:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Noticeable cartilage thinning<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Early subchondral bone changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Increased synovial inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common Stage 2 Symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stiffness after inactivity<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pain after repetitive motion<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Popping or grinding (crepitus)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Treatment Focus For Stage 2<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This is where early regenerative medicine makes a real difference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At Orthobiologics Associates, we often recommend:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/prp\">PRP for arthritis<\/a> to reduce inflammation and support cartilage repair<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prolotherapy to strengthen ligaments and stabilize the joint<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Weight management to slow joint degeneration<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Physical therapy to restore balance and strength<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Many patients regain comfort and mobility without surgery when Stage 2 OA is addressed promptly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 3: Moderate Osteoarthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In Stage 3, the condition becomes more noticeable and begins to interfere with daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What\u2019s happening inside the joint:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Moderate cartilage loss and joint space narrowing<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Subchondral bone sclerosis (bone hardening)<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Persistent inflammation of the joint capsule<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common Stage 3 Symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ongoing pain during normal activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Swelling and tenderness<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Decreased range of motion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Treatment Focus For Stage 3<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Conservative care is still possible but usually requires multiple approaches:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/stem-cell-therapy-for-arthritis\/\">Stem cell therapy for arthritis<\/a> to promote healing and reduce inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections to lubricate the joint<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">PRP therapy for ongoing inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Low-impact exercise programs guided by physical therapists<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bracing or orthotics for joint stability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At this stage, regenerative medicine helps many patients avoid surgical intervention and continue moving comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 4: Severe or End-Stage Osteoarthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In Stage 4, the protective cartilage is nearly gone, and bones rub directly against each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What\u2019s happening inside the joint:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bone-on-bone contact causes intense pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Large bone spurs and joint deformity<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chronic inflammation and stiffness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common Stage 4 Symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Constant pain, even at rest<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Significant stiffness and limited movement<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Visible joint deformity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Treatment Focus For Stage 4<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">While joint replacement is sometimes recommended, regenerative options can still help reduce pain and improve function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At Orthobiologics Associates, we\u2019ve seen success using:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Advanced stem cell therapy to improve joint cushioning<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Targeted PRP injections for inflammation relief<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Comprehensive rehabilitation to restore stability and flexibility<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even in advanced cases, biologic therapy can help delay or reduce the need for surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Osteoarthritis Progression Table<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Joint Changes<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common Symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Treatment Focus<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 1<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Minor cartilage wear, small bone spurs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Occasional stiffness<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Prevention, exercise, nutrition<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mild cartilage loss, visible narrowing<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pain after activity, stiffness<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">PRP, prolotherapy, weight management<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 3<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Moderate cartilage erosion, bone sclerosis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Constant pain, swelling<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stem cell therapy, HA injections<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stage 4<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Severe cartilage loss, bone-on-bone<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Severe pain, deformity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Regenerative therapy, surgical consult<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Can Osteoarthritis Progression Be Slowed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yes, especially when caught early.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can slow osteoarthritis progression by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Maintaining a healthy weight to relieve joint stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Strengthening muscles to stabilize joints<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Improving biomechanics with guided physical therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Using biologic therapies like PRP or stem cells to protect cartilage<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Following an anti-inflammatory lifestyle (nutrition, sleep, hydration)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Key takeaway:<\/strong> Early detection and regenerative care can often prevent osteoarthritis from advancing to severe stages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When to See a Specialist<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling for more than a few weeks, it\u2019s time to get evaluated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An orthopedic or regenerative specialist can determine your OA stage and recommend targeted treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">At Orthobiologics Associates, we use advanced imaging and biological treatments to help patients at every stage, from early cartilage wear to advanced osteoarthritis, find relief and restore function without surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href='https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/contact-us\/' class='big-button bigblue'>CONTACT US<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Bottom Line: What Are the 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Understanding the 4 stages of <a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/osteoarthritis-treatment-in-tampa-fl\/\">osteoarthritis<\/a> gives you a roadmap for protecting your joints.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whether you\u2019re in the early or advanced stage, there are solutions that can help reduce pain and preserve mobility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Our team at Orthobiologics Associates offers advanced regenerative options, including PRP, stem cell therapy, and prolotherapy, to support your body\u2019s natural healing process and keep you moving for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Schedule a consultation today to discover which stage you\u2019re in and learn how non-surgical treatments can help you reclaim your mobility and comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href='https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/contact-us\/' class='big-button bigblue'>SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">FAQs: What Are the 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"34\" data-end=\"334\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"34\" data-end=\"92\">How do you know what stage of osteoarthritis you have?<\/strong><\/span><br data-start=\"92\" data-end=\"95\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Doctors determine your osteoarthritis stage through imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs and a physical exam. The severity of joint space narrowing, cartilage loss, and bone changes helps classify your condition into one of the four stages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"636\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"388\">How do you stop osteoarthritis from progressing?<\/strong><\/span><br data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"391\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You can slow osteoarthritis progression by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, improving joint alignment, and using regenerative therapies such as PRP or stem cell treatments to support cartilage health and reduce inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"638\" data-end=\"963\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"638\" data-end=\"698\">At what stage is osteoarthritis considered a disability?<\/strong><\/span><br data-start=\"698\" data-end=\"701\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Osteoarthritis may be considered a disability in the later stages, typically Stage 3 or Stage 4, when pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion make daily activities or work difficult. Qualification depends on medical documentation and functional limitations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"965\" data-end=\"1234\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"965\" data-end=\"1003\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/can-you-see-arthritis-in-an-x-ray\/\">Can you see arthritis on an X-ray<\/a>?<\/strong><\/span><br data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1006\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yes, X-rays can show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and changes in bone density that indicate osteoarthritis. However, early-stage OA may not be visible, so MRIs are often used to detect subtle cartilage or tissue changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1545\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1305\">What are the <a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/comparing-the-regenerative-therapies-for-knee-arthritis\/\">different regenerative therapies for knee arthritis<\/a>?<\/strong><\/span><br data-start=\"1305\" data-end=\"1308\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Regenerative options for knee arthritis include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, stem cell therapy, and prolotherapy. These treatments aim to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve joint function without surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1841\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1579\">Can <a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/gae-for-osteoarthritis\/\">GAE help with arthritis<\/a>?<\/strong><\/span><br data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1582\" \/><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Yes, <a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/genicular-artery-embolization-in-tampa-fl\/\">genicular artery embolization (GAE)<\/a> can help certain patients with <a href=\"https:\/\/orthobiologicsassociates.com\/knee-osteoarthritis\/\">knee osteoarthritis<\/a> by reducing inflammation and pain through decreased blood flow to irritated joint tissues. It\u2019s often used when conservative treatments haven\u2019t provided enough relief.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The four stages of osteoarthritis range from minor cartilage changes (Stage 1) to severe bone-on-bone damage (Stage 4).\u00a0 Knowing which stage you\u2019re in helps guide treatment options and the earlier you act, the more you can slow or even stop progression. Osteoarthritis (OA) doesn\u2019t appear overnight.\u00a0 It develops gradually as cartilage, the smooth, protective tissue [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"two_page_speed":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-osteoarthritis"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.9 (Yoast SEO v26.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Are the 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis? | Orthobiologics Associates<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the 4 stages of osteoarthritis, from cartilage wear to bone-on-bone pain, and 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