Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of chronic joint pain and reduced mobility. As cartilage gradually wears down over time, patients may experience pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty performing everyday activities.

At Relief Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive orthopedic care focused on relieving pain, improving joint function, preserving mobility, and helping patients maintain an active lifestyle through individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.

Conveniently located in the heart of Myeongdong, our clinic welcomes both local residents and international patients seeking high-quality orthopedic care in Seoul.

Relief Orthopedics

9, Namdaemun-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

Common Osteoarthritis Conditions We Treat

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Shoulder osteoarthritis
• Hand osteoarthritis
• Finger joint osteoarthritis
• Thumb osteoarthritis
• Ankle osteoarthritis
• Foot osteoarthritis
• Cervical osteoarthritis
• Lumbar facet osteoarthritis
• Degenerative joint disease
• Early-stage osteoarthritis
• Moderate osteoarthritis
• Chronic joint degeneration
• Age-related joint wear

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Many patients notice symptoms gradually becoming worse over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain during movement
• Morning stiffness
• Joint swelling
• Reduced flexibility
• Grinding or clicking sensations
• Difficulty walking
• Pain when climbing stairs
• Joint tenderness
• Limited range of motion
• Pain after prolonged standing
• Reduced physical activity
• Progressive loss of joint function

Our Comprehensive Osteoarthritis Treatments

Orthopedic Evaluation

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive orthopedic examination to determine the severity of cartilage degeneration and identify the joints involved. X-rays or other imaging studies may be recommended when necessary.

Personalized Physical Therapy

Customized rehabilitation programs improve joint mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and overall function while reducing pain.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on orthopedic therapy may improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, decrease surrounding muscle tension, and restore functional movement.

Therapeutic Exercise Programs

Individualized exercise programs strengthen muscles supporting affected joints while reducing joint loading and improving long-term function.

Lifestyle & Movement Education

Our specialists provide guidance on weight management, joint protection strategies, activity modification, and ergonomic improvements to reduce stress on arthritic joints.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy may help stimulate tissue healing, improve circulation, and relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections

For patients with persistent pain or inflammation, ultrasound-guided injections allow accurate medication delivery directly into the affected joint while minimizing injury to surrounding tissues.

Image-Guided Pain Management

When conservative treatment alone is insufficient, image-guided procedures may reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and facilitate rehabilitation.

Why Choose Relief Orthopedics?

• Orthopedic specialists experienced in osteoarthritis management
• Conservative treatment focused on preserving joint function
• Individualized rehabilitation programs
• Modern diagnostic equipment
• Advanced pain management
• International patient-friendly services
• English-speaking assistance
• Convenient Myeongdong location
• Transparent treatment recommendations
• Personalized follow-up care

Who Can Benefit?

Our treatments are suitable for:

• Adults with early osteoarthritis
• Seniors with degenerative joint disease
• Office workers
• Physically active individuals
• Athletes
• Patients recovering from joint injuries
• Individuals with chronic joint stiffness
• Patients wishing to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery
• Travelers
• International patients seeking orthopedic care in Seoul

Frequently Asked Questions

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which cartilage gradually wears away over time, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced joint function.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Common causes include aging, previous joint injuries, repetitive joint stress, obesity, genetics, and mechanical wear over time.

Can osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many patients successfully manage osteoarthritis through rehabilitation, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, weight management, medications, and image-guided injections when appropriate. Surgery is usually considered only for advanced cases.

Do I always need an MRI?

No. Many cases can be diagnosed with a physical examination and X-rays. MRI is recommended only when additional evaluation of cartilage, ligaments, or surrounding soft tissues is necessary.

Can exercise make osteoarthritis worse?

Appropriate low-impact exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. Your orthopedic specialist will recommend exercises based on your condition.

Are ultrasound-guided injections safe?

Yes. Ultrasound guidance improves injection accuracy by allowing medication to be delivered precisely into the affected joint while minimizing injury to nearby tissues.

How long does treatment take?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition. Many patients notice improvement within several weeks, while long-term rehabilitation helps maintain mobility and reduce symptoms.

Can osteoarthritis be prevented?

Although it cannot always be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding repetitive joint injuries, and treating orthopedic problems early may help slow disease progression.

When should I see an orthopedic specialist?

You should seek evaluation if joint pain persists for several weeks, interferes with daily activities, causes swelling or stiffness, or progressively worsens.

Can international patients receive treatment?

Yes. Relief Orthopedics welcomes international patients, expatriates, and medical travelers seeking comprehensive osteoarthritis treatment in Seoul.