Perhaps the biggest cause of joint pain is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. More than 20 million Americans suffer from this condition.

Osteoarthritis causes pain by attacking the cartilage in your joints. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that protects the ends of your bones in a joint and allows these bones to move smoothly and painlessly over one another.

Injuries and wear-and-tear can cause cartilage to weaken, sometimes to the point where it no longer protects the bones of a joint. When the cartilage can no longer act as an effective buffer between joint bones, pain and swelling can result.

If you have ongoing joint pain, talk to your doctor. Treatment options range from anti-inflammatory medications, ice and heat therapy, wearing splints or braces to orthopedic surgery. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy. Lancaster General physical therapy services are available at the following locations: Columbia Health Center, Kissel Hill Health Center, Lancaster General Health Campus, Norlanco Medical Associates, Physical Therapy at Cherry Street (downtown Lancaster) and Willow Lakes Medical Services.

For some conditions, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon—a doctor who specializes in treating problem bones, joints, muscles and ligaments. If surgery is needed, your surgeon may remove the synovium (inner lining of the joints), realign the joint or replace all or part of the damaged joint. In a few months the Lancaster General Orthopedic Center will open. This new center will allow Lancaster General to further elevate the standard of orthopedic care in a hospital completely dedicated to orthopedic diagnosis and treatment, including procedures to restore joint health.