Common orthopedic concerns we treat
- Pain that limits walking, lifting, or sleep
- Stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
- Sports injuries: acute or overuse
- Arthritis or post-traumatic joint changes
- Conditions other doctors couldn't resolve
Osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear arthritis of the joints
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis: the gradual wear of cartilage in any joint, producing pain, stiffness, and reduced function over time. Same-day or next-week evaluations across eight LA-area offices.
See a specialist this week
Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.
Book a visitOr call (323) 264-7600
What sets LAOSS apart
- Same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices
- On-site imaging; PT coordinated with your in-network provider
- Conservative-first care, surgery only when needed
- Board-certified specialists, not generalists
Key takeaways
- Osteoarthritis is one of many orthopedic conditions our specialists evaluate every day.
- Most patients improve with conservative care: image-guided injections, bracing, and PT with your in-network provider.
- When a procedure is the right call, we explain every option, recovery timeline, and return-to-activity milestone.
- On-site imaging at most offices and same-day appointments across eight Los Angeles-area locations.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis: the gradual wear of cartilage in any joint, producing pain, stiffness, and reduced function over time. Symptoms can develop gradually or after a specific injury, so early evaluation matters when function starts to decline.
Most patients with osteoarthritis improve with conservative care: targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections, bracing or supportive footwear when relevant, and activity modification. When conservative care isn't enough or imaging shows structural injury that won't heal on its own, our specialists offer the next-step procedures discussed below.
Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, the symptoms and causes we most often see, how we diagnose osteoarthritis, and the full range of treatment options, from the simplest to the most involved.
Watch: Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Knee pain may keep you from being as active as you like. And it may come from a gradual breakdown of your knee's cartilage. That's a protective tissue on the ends of your bones. In a healthy knee, the bones glide smoothly against each other. But in a knee with osteoarthritis, cartilage begins to wear away. Bone rubs against bone. Bony bumps we call "bone spurs" may form.
Inside the musculoskeletal system.
Most musculoskeletal pain comes down to one of four tissues: bone, cartilage, ligament/tendon, or muscle. The right care starts with the right diagnosis: figuring out which tissue is hurt, why, and how much. From there the plan is built around the specific condition, your goals, and what you actually do day to day.
Symptoms and causes of osteoarthritis
Common symptoms
- Joint pain that worsens with activity
- Morning stiffness that improves with movement
- Reduced range of motion
- Joint swelling and tenderness
Common causes
- Age-related cartilage wear
- Prior joint injury or surgery
- Genetic predisposition
- Obesity and joint overload
How we diagnose osteoarthritis
You want answers, fast, and we're built to give them. Most patients leave their first LAOSS visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan, not another referral chain.
Here's what your initial visit for osteoarthritis typically looks like:
- Detailed history: when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you've already tried
- Focused exam of the affected area: range of motion, stability, strength, specific provocation tests
- On-site imaging at most offices: X-ray for bone, ultrasound or MRI when soft-tissue detail is needed
- A written plan with options ranging from conservative care to surgical procedures, in plain English
Schedule your evaluation at the LAOSS office nearest you.
How we treat osteoarthritis at LAOSS
Once we've confirmed the diagnosis, the next step is matching the right treatment to your situation. We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.
Conservative care
Step 1Conservative care first
Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.
- Low-impact exercise and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint
- Weight management to reduce load on the hips and knees
- Anti-inflammatory medication, by mouth or as a topical gel
- Bracing, a cane, or supportive footwear when helpful
- Corticosteroid injections for flares
- Hyaluronic acid (gel) or PRP injections in select cases
Surgical care
When neededSurgical options when needed
Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.
- Total joint replacement of the hip, knee, or shoulder for advanced arthritis
- Partial knee replacement when only one part of the knee is worn
- Osteotomy to realign the leg and shift load off the worn area, in select younger patients
- Joint fusion for arthritis in certain joints of the hand, foot, or ankle
Why experience matters.
Why experience matters
Orthopedic care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.
- Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
- Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
- Surgical technique refined over thousands of cases
- On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider
The LAOSS approach
Our orthopedic specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- PT coordinated in your insurance network
- Board-certified surgeons performing the procedures themselves
- Direct access to your specialist between visits
Am I a candidate?
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a orthopedic specialist is the next step.
You may be a candidate if
These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a orthopedic specialist.
- Pain or stiffness in the affected area that lasts more than a few days
- Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
- Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
- Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
- Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
What evaluation includes
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
- Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
- Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
- On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
- Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
- Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Your orthopedic recovery roadmap.
Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
- Days 0 to 14
Right after care
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the affected area, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
- Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
- Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
- Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
- Follow-up scheduled to track healing
- Weeks 2 to 8
Rehabilitation
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the affected area.
- Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
- Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
- Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
- Months 2+
Long-term care
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.
- Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
- Home program tailored to your sport or job
- Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
- Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations
What to weigh before you decide.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
General considerations
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
- Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
- Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
- Reaction to anesthesia or medications
- Need for additional procedures in some cases
Treatment-specific considerations
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
- Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
- Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
- Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
- Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Meet our orthopedic doctors in the Greater Los Angeles area
At LAOSS, our orthopedic specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to joint replacement and arthritis management, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.
Meet your orthopedic specialists.
Compare up to 34 providers
Accepting new patients
David Barba, MD
Hip & Knee Surgeon
Speaks English and Spanish
Habla español
- Wilshire
- East Los Angeles
Accepting new patients
Jose Antonio Acosta, MD
Pain Management & Rehabilitation
Speaks English and Spanish
Habla español
- Glendale
- Encino
- Valencia
- +1 more
Care for osteoarthritis starts here
Don't let osteoarthritis be something you just power through. With same- or next-day appointments at multiple Los Angeles locations, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. The same team handles your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.
Call or schedule online today to see an orthopedic specialist in Los Angeles.
From our Google reviews
Read all 9,626 reviews on GoogleWhat patients say
“Dr. Hayk Stepanyan is a very attentive and experienced doctor. I have arthritis in my right knee. He advised me to exercise on a stationary bike every day, which helps me a lot. During my last visit, Dr. Stepanyan gave me an injection in my knee, which also greatly relieved the pain. I would also like to note the excellent work of all the clinic staff.”
Ekaterina G.Google reviewNov 2025
“Greatest orthopedic surgeon you'll find! Dr. Dworsky! I can walk again with no pain after a complicated older injury created arthritis in my right hip. He was Able to navigate implanted parts on my hip to replace my hip joint. No pain now. Wonderful!”
Jennifer W.Google reviewSanta Fe SpringsDec 2023
“Dr. Cikra has inspired confidence in the upcoming surgical procedure. I'm looking forward to a significant pain reduction after dealing with severe traumatic arthritis for 35 years. He continues to be an advocate.”
Cassie A.Google reviewWilshireJul 2025
Selected 5-star reviews from Google, shown as written. Individual results vary.
Common osteoarthritis questions
- We start with a focused orthopedic exam and detailed history. X-rays are usually done in-office; MRI or ultrasound is ordered when soft-tissue detail is needed. Most patients leave the first visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan.
Don't wait on pain.
Book a visit with a orthopedic specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles-area offices.
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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network