Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Why Osteoarthritis Demands More Than Pain Pills

Osteoarthritis affects over 32 million Americans, yet conventional care focuses only on symptom management. At Patients Medical in NYC, we target the underlying causes of joint degeneration through:
✔ Advanced inflammation testing
✔ Cartilage regeneration protocols
✔ Personalized movement therapies
✔ Gut-joint axis restoration

We treat the whole joint ecosystem, not just your pain.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by:

  • Cartilage breakdown in weight-bearing joints
  • Bone spur formation (osteophytes)
  • Chronic low-grade inflammation
  • Synovial fluid depletion

Commonly Affected Joints:

  • Knees (50% of cases)
  • Hips
  • Hands (especially base of thumb)
  • Spine (facet joints)

Early Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis

Root Causes: Why Are Your Joints Degenerating?

Functional medicine investigates the why behind cartilage loss:

  • Chronic Inflammation: Elevated IL-6, TNF-α
  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Poor cellular energy in chondrocytes
  • Gut Dysbiosis: Leaky gut → systemic inflammation
  • Hormone Imbalances: Low testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone
  • Toxin Overload: Heavy metals impair collagen synthesis
  • Biomechanical Stress: Past injuries, poor alignment

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We go beyond X-rays with:

Inflammatory Markers (hs-CRP, IL-6)

Cartilage Breakdown Tests (CTX-II, COMP)

Micronutrient Analysis (vitamin D, magnesium, boron)

Gut Health Panels (calprotectin, zonulin)

Heavy Metal Testing (lead, mercury)

Hormone Panels (IGF-1, sex hormones)

Integrative Osteoarthritis Treatments

Cartilage Regeneration

  • Type II collagen peptides (40mg/day)
  • Hyaluronic acid injections (ultrasound-guided)
  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy

Inflammation Control

  • Curcumin phytosomes (500mg 2x/day)
  • Low-dose naltrexone (LDN)
  • Omega-3 EPA/DHA (3g/day)

Movement & Rehabilitation

  • Aquatic therapy (reduces joint loading)
  • PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy
  • Tai Chi for balance

Gut-Joint Healing

  • Bovine colostrum (repairs intestinal lining)
  • L. rhamnosus GG probiotic
  • Bone broth/gelatin protocol

Pain Management

  • Medical cannabis consults (CBD:THC ratios)
  • Topical CBD/arnica formulations
  • Acupuncture for knee OA

Case Study: Avoiding Knee Replacement

Patient: James, 68 (bone-on-bone knee OA)
Findings:

  • Severe vitamin D deficiency (18 ng/mL)
  • High hs-CRP (8.2 mg/L)
  • Leaky gut (zonulin 55 ng/mL)

6-Month Protocol:

  1. Vitamin D3/K2 (10,000 IU/day)
  2. Anti-inflammatory diet + LDN
  3. Weekly PRP injections

Results:

  • 70% pain reduction
  • Improved cartilage signal on MRI
  • Postponed surgery indefinitely

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—studies show certain peptides and PRP can stimulate cartilage matrix production.

Only specific forms (like N-acetyl glucosamine) combined with chondroitin sulfate.

Essential! We prescribe joint-friendly activities like swimming and cycling.

Many inflammatory markers are covered. We provide superbills.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment