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Dr. Avinash PunshiConsultant Physician · Rheumatologist
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Patient Education

Osteoarthritis

The most common form of arthritis — modern care can preserve movement and delay surgery for years.
On this page
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Advice
FAQs
Related
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Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition in which the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually wears down. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. Modern rheumatology offers a wide range of joint-preserving therapies that reduce pain, restore movement and often delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement.

Symptoms

  • Deep, aching joint pain that worsens with activity
  • Stiffness after periods of rest, usually easing within 30 minutes
  • Reduced flexibility and range of motion
  • Grating or crackling sensation (crepitus) when moving the joint
  • Bony enlargement, especially in the fingers

    • Causes

  • Age-related cartilage wear
  • Previous joint injury or overuse
  • Obesity — excess weight accelerates knee and hip OA
  • Genetic factors influencing cartilage strength
  • Occupational stress on specific joints

    • Diagnosis

    • Clinical assessment of joint range and tenderness
    • X-rays to grade cartilage loss and bony changes
    • MRI for detailed evaluation when needed
    • Blood tests to exclude inflammatory causes

    Treatment Options

  • Weight optimisation and physiotherapy programmes
  • Analgesics and topical anti-inflammatory therapy
  • Intra-articular hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid injections
  • Regenerative options such as PRP where appropriate
  • Surgical referral only when conservative care is exhausted

    • Lifestyle Advice

  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Choose low-impact activities like cycling and swimming
  • Strengthen the muscles that support the affected joint
  • Use supportive footwear and orthotics when recommended
  • Apply heat or cold therapy for symptomatic relief
    • FAQ

    Common questions about Osteoarthritis

    Related articles

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    A chronic autoimmune condition that attacks the joints — treatable, especially when caught early.

    Read the guide

    Osteoporosis

    The silent bone-thinning disease — preventable and treatable when detected on time.

    Read the guide

    Joint Pain & Autoimmune

    When joint pain is more than 'wear and tear' — the specialist evaluation that makes the difference.

    Read the guide
    In the consultation

    How this condition is managed in clinic

    A look inside daily practice — explaining diagnoses, reviewing imaging, and guiding patients of every age through their care plan.

    X-RAY REVIEW WITH PATIENT
    JOINT EXAMINATION
    EVIDENCE-BASED COUNSEL
    DEXA BONE-DENSITY REVIEW
    FAMILY CONSULTATION
    ANATOMY WALK-THROUGH

    Ready to feel better?

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    Book Appointment
    Call 0301-2399339
    Dr. Avinash Punshi
    Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist
    Compassionate, evidence-based rheumatology care across Karachi — helping patients live free of joint pain, longer.
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    OPD Timings

    • Doctor Ziauddin Hospital
      Clifton Campus, Block 2
      Mon · Wed · Fri·1:00 – 4:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,500
    • Ziauddin Hospital
      Kemari Branch
      Wednesday·12:00 – 2:00 PM
    • Ziauddin Hospital
      North Nazimabad, Block 2
      Tue · Thu · Sat·1:00 – 3:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,500
    • Rim Trauma Hospital
      PECHS Block 6, Shahrah-e-Faisal
      Tue · Thu · Sat·4:30 – 6:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,000
    • South City Hospital
      Shahrah-e-Firdousi, Clifton
      Tue · Thu·6:30 – 8:30 PM
      Fees Rs. 3,500
    • Islamabad Diagnostic Centre
      Rafiq Plaza, Lucky Star
      Mon · Wed · Fri · Sat·7:30 – 10:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,000
    • Islamabad Diagnostic Centre
      Rafiq Plaza, Lucky Star
      Tue · Thu·9:00 – 10:00 PM
      Fees Rs. 2,000
    Saturday appointments are subject to confirmation before your visit.

    Appointments: Mr. Vishal · +92 301 2399339

    © 2026 Dr. Avinash Punshi. All rights reserved.

    Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist · Karachi, Pakistan

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