Conventional pain management often focuses on symptom relief, such as using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or steroid injections (e.g., cortisone). However, these methods do not heal tissue and can sometimes worsen joint health by damaging cartilage and reducing the body’s ability to repair. Chronic use increases the risk of tears and strains. Stronger medications, like narcotics, carry significant side effects and risk of addiction. Nerve ablation, another option, temporarily reduces pain but does not address underlying problems. Ultimately, surgery and joint replacement become options, but these should be reserved for the end of the treatment spectrum.

Welcome to the second half of “Living Pain-Free.” I am Dr. Thomas Grove, a board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine physician. My goal is to help you move properly and, when possible, avoid surgery by taking a more conservative approach. We utilize regenerative medicine, a field that leverages the body’s own healing cells, including platelet-rich plasma and various stem cell therapies, to address musculoskeletal issues like ligament, tendon, joint, or muscle problems. With image-guided injections, we deliver these cells directly to damaged tissues to promote healing, reduce pain, restore function, and help patients avoid unnecessary orthopedic surgery.

Understanding Joint Pain and Arthritis

Today’s topic addresses joint pain, focusing specifically on arthritis. The body contains hundreds of joints, each relying on ligaments, tendons, and other structures for stability and function. Arthritis, characterized by inflammation within a joint, can be assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale, a 0 to 4 system based on X-ray findings:

  • Grade 0: No osteoarthritis
  • Grade 1: Slight joint space narrowing and possibly a small bone spur (osteophyte)
  • Grade 2: Mild arthritis with definite osteophytes and joint space narrowing
  • Grade 3: Moderate arthritis with several bone spurs, more joint space narrowing, sclerosis, and possible bone deformity
  • Grade 4: Severe arthritis with pronounced bone spurs, severe joint space narrowing, increased sclerosis, and bone deformation

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, multifactorial condition resulting in progressive breakdown of articular cartilage—the tissue covering bone ends and facilitating smooth joint movement. Beneath this cartilage is the subchondral bone, which can remodel in response to ongoing low-grade inflammation. Contributing factors include metabolic influences, mechanical stress (like excess body weight), and cellular changes in chondrocytes (cartilage-producing cells). As cartilage degrades, joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility often follow.

Age, obesity, injuries, and genetics can all accelerate joint wear. Strengthening surrounding muscles helps protect joints, while muscle weakness can speed up degeneration. Osteoarthritis is not merely a “wear and tear” disease; it involves complex biological processes, including changes in the extracellular matrix, reduced proteoglycans (which help maintain joint structure and hydration), and bone remodeling. Dysfunctional chondrocytes may produce harmful enzymes, further breaking down joint tissue. In advanced cases, autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause rapid joint damage.

Mechanisms and Pathways in Joint Degeneration

Molecular pathways such as mTOR (involved in autophagy, the body’s repair mechanism) and WNT signaling play roles in joint health and are targets for advanced therapies. Chronic inflammation is a central driver, with risk factors including aging, poor diet, excess weight, injuries, and lifestyle habits. Carrying extra weight increases mechanical stress on joints. For example, each step can exert several times one’s body weight through the joints, emphasizing the importance of muscle strength and weight management. Common symptoms prompting clinic visits include pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Some experience “startup pain” in the morning or after prolonged inactivity, while others notice crunching or grinding sensations in affected joints. Arthritis can occur even in those with minimal cartilage loss, and not all with advanced arthritis experience pain. Weightbearing joints—such as the big toe, ankle, knee, hip, and low back—are frequently affected, and even mild inflammation can be debilitating.

The Role of Regenerative Medicine

Between pain pills and surgery lies a range of regenerative medicine options—such as PRP and stem cells—that aim to downregulate inflammation, promote healing, and restore a healthier joint environment with fewer side effects. These treatments are now accessible to everyone, not just elite athletes or celebrities.

Joint pain can significantly impact quality of life, limiting activities and exercise, which can set off a cascade of negative health effects, including decreased bone density, increased body fat, and mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Maintaining movement and muscle mass is essential for long-term health, and regenerative therapies can support this by healing tissues from within and avoiding unnecessary surgeries.

Optimizing Recovery and Lifestyle Factors

Getting people back to the activities they love is the main goal—whether that’s walking a dog or competing in sports. Consistent resistance training and movement should be non-negotiable parts of a healthy routine to preserve muscle mass and bone density. Healing from the inside out with regenerative medicine helps break the negative spiral of inactivity and pain.

Good metabolic health, adequate movement, nutrition, and sleep optimize the body’s healing capacity and make regenerative treatments more effective. Conversely, poor habits—such as a diet high in processed carbohydrates, smoking, excessive alcohol, or chronic inactivity—can perpetuate inflammation and hinder recovery. Reducing processed carbohydrates and improving diet can quickly decrease pain for many. Other triggers include gluten or dairy for some individuals. Addressing these lifestyle factors complements medical treatments and boosts their effectiveness.

Getting Help and Staying Active

If pain is preventing you from doing what you love or staying active, address it promptly to avoid downstream health consequences. Staying active supports not only physical but also mental and metabolic health, increasing resilience and quality of life. For more information or a free consultation, call 800-300-9300 or visit www.stemcellinstitute.com.

“Living Pain-Free” with Dr. Mark Darrow and Dr. Thomas Grove airs Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. on AM870. Take the first step toward a pain-free life by calling 800-300-9300 or going online to stemcellinstitute.com. Live long and pain-free, and thank you for joining us today.