Osteoarthritis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint conditions seen in Grand Rapids, MI, across all major health systems, including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health. Understanding your symptoms and treatment options can help you stay active through our long West Michigan winters and busy summer seasons.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that causes gradual “wear and tear” and structural changes in one or more joints. These changes can lead to:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Reduced movement
  • Loss of function in the affected joint

Osteoarthritis is influenced by several factors, including:

  • Genetics
  • Joint mechanics and alignment
  • Hormonal changes
  • Low-grade inflammation
  • Prior injuries or overuse

Although osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, it is not just an “older person’s disease.” Many adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s in Grand Rapids are diagnosed with OA, especially after sports injuries or physically demanding jobs.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may change over time. The level of pain does not always match what is seen on an x‑ray.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Joint pain, especially with movement or after activity
  • Stiffness, often worse in the morning or after sitting in the car or at a desk
  • Joint swelling or a feeling of fullness around the joint
  • Grinding, clicking, or “popping” sounds in the joint (crepitus)
  • Muscle weakness around the joint
  • Joint instability or “giving way”
  • Reduced range of motion (difficulty bending or straightening)

Any joint can be affected, but the larger weight‑bearing joints are most commonly involved:

  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Lower spine
  • Sometimes shoulders and hands

In West Michigan, people often notice their osteoarthritis symptoms more in cold, damp weather, especially during Grand Rapids winters and when barometric pressure changes.

Joints Commonly Affected by Osteoarthritis

  • Knees – Difficulty with stairs, walking downtown Grand Rapids, or standing at work
  • Hips – Pain with walking, getting in and out of the car, or sleeping on the side
  • Spine (neck and lower back) – Stiffness, pain with prolonged sitting or standing
  • Hands – Pain with gripping, opening jars, or typing
  • Shoulders – Discomfort with reaching overhead or behind the back

Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis in Grand Rapids Residents

Evidence-based risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include:

  • Being overweight or obese

    • Extra weight increases stress on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.
    • In Kent County, weight management is a common focus in osteoarthritis care.

  • Previous significant joint injury

    • Sports injuries (e.g., from hockey, basketball, soccer)
    • Work-related injuries (especially in manufacturing, construction, health care, and manual labor common in West Michigan)

  • Increasing age

    • Risk rises with age, but OA can affect younger adults.

  • Repetitive joint use at work or in sports

    • Frequent kneeling, squatting, heavy lifting, or repetitive motions.

  • Genetics

    • Family history of osteoarthritis can increase your risk.

  • Gender

    • Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis, especially after menopause.

  • Joint alignment or structural problems

    • Bowed legs, hip dysplasia, or other alignment issues.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids for Joint Pain

If you are experiencing ongoing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, it is important to see a health professional for:

  • An accurate diagnosis
  • A personalized osteoarthritis management plan

Many conditions can cause joint pain, and they may require different treatments. Do not assume all joint pain is “just arthritis” or “just aging.”

You can start by seeing:

  • Your primary care provider (family doctor or internist)
  • A physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist)
  • An orthopedic specialist
  • A rheumatologist (for more complex or inflammatory arthritis)

In Grand Rapids, these specialists are available through:

  • Spectrum Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health
  • Mercy Health
  • Independent orthopedic and rheumatology practices throughout Kent County

How Osteoarthritis Is Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will typically:

  1. Take a detailed medical history

    • Onset of symptoms, pattern of pain, prior injuries, work and activity level, family history.

  2. Perform a physical examination

    • Check joint range of motion, swelling, tenderness, stability, and muscle strength.

  3. Order imaging if needed

    • Plain x‑rays are often used to confirm osteoarthritis and help plan treatment, including potential surgery.
    • MRI is rarely required for typical osteoarthritis, but may be used if other problems (like ligament or cartilage damage) are suspected.

Blood tests are usually normal in osteoarthritis but may be ordered to rule out other types of arthritis.

Managing Osteoarthritis: Non-Surgical First

For most people in Grand Rapids, the best osteoarthritis treatment plan focuses on non-surgical and non-pharmacological care first. Surgery is considered only if these options do not provide enough relief.

A good osteoarthritis management plan should:

  • Support you in taking an active role in your care
  • Provide clear education about what works and what does not
  • Address lifestyle, activity, and pain control
  • Be tailored to your specific joints, health conditions, and goals

Key Components of an Osteoarthritis Management Plan

  • Understanding your condition and realistic expectations
  • Learning which treatments have strong evidence, limited evidence, or no evidence
  • Developing a healthy lifestyle strategy
  • Creating a safe, progressive exercise program
  • Managing pain with both non-medication and medication options when needed
  • Regular follow-up with your healthcare team

Healthy Lifestyle for Osteoarthritis in West Michigan

Weight Management

If you are overweight or obese, weight loss is one of the most effective ways to reduce osteoarthritis pain in the knees and hips.

  • Even a 5–10% weight loss can significantly reduce joint stress.
  • Ask your provider about:
    • Nutrition counseling
    • Weight management programs available through local health systems
    • Community resources supported by the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health initiatives

Staying Active (Even in Winter)

Maintaining general fitness is essential, even through long Michigan winters:

  • Reduce long periods of sitting (at work, in the car, or at home).
  • Aim for regular low-impact activities such as:
    • Walking (indoor tracks or malls in winter)
    • Stationary cycling
    • Water exercise at local pools or YMCA locations
    • Gentle yoga or tai chi classes in the Grand Rapids area

Stress Management

Chronic pain can increase stress, and stress can worsen pain. Helpful strategies include:

  • Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation)
  • Counseling or therapy if pain is affecting mood or sleep
  • Local pain education or support groups (check with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health programs)

Exercise for Osteoarthritis

Exercise is a core treatment for osteoarthritis and is strongly recommended in all major clinical guidelines. It can:

  • Reduce pain
  • Improve joint function
  • Strengthen muscles that support the joint
  • Enhance balance and reduce fall risk
  • Improve overall health, heart health, and mood

Types of Exercise That Help Osteoarthritis

A health professional—such as a physical therapist (physiotherapist) or exercise physiologist in Grand Rapids—can design an individualized program that may include:

  • Strength training

    • To support and protect the affected joints (e.g., quadriceps for knee OA, hip abductors for hip OA).

  • Stretching and flexibility exercises

    • To maintain or improve range of motion.

  • Aerobic (cardio) exercise

    • Walking, cycling, swimming, or water aerobics.

  • Balance and stability training

    • To reduce falls and improve joint control.

You can perform these exercises:

  • At home with a personalized plan
  • In a physical therapy clinic (many options across Grand Rapids and Kent County)
  • In group classes at local fitness centers, community centers, or YMCAs
  • On land or in water—aquatic therapy is especially helpful for people with significant pain or obesity.

Exercising Safely

  • Start with what is realistically achievable for you.
  • Increase intensity and duration gradually over time.
  • Mild discomfort during or after exercise can be normal, but sharp or worsening pain is not.
  • If exercises feel uncomfortable or cause new pain, talk with the healthcare professional managing your program to adjust your plan.

Managing Osteoarthritis Pain

Pain from osteoarthritis can change over time, so your pain management plan may also need to change.

Non-Medication Pain Strategies

  • Heat or cold packs
  • Activity pacing—planning your day to balance activity and rest
  • Joint protection techniques (using proper body mechanics, assistive devices if needed)
  • Physical therapy and supervised exercise
  • Weight management and improved sleep habits

Some people may be referred to a pain management clinic in Grand Rapids for more complex pain, especially if pain is significantly affecting daily life, work, or sleep.

Pain-Relieving Medications

Medications can help manage symptoms but do not cure osteoarthritis or reverse joint damage. They are used to improve quality of life and function.

Common options include:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol), when appropriate
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, if safe for you
  • Topical NSAID creams or gels
  • Occasionally, injections (such as corticosteroids) into the joint

Your healthcare provider will help choose medications based on:

  • Your symptoms
  • Other medical conditions (heart disease, kidney disease, stomach issues, etc.)
  • Other medications you are already taking

Opiate-based (opioid) medications are generally not recommended for managing osteoarthritis due to limited long-term benefit and significant risk of side effects, dependence, and addiction.

Always discuss the benefits and potential risks of any medication with your healthcare professional.

Surgery for Osteoarthritis

In most cases of osteoarthritis, surgery is not required. However, surgery may be considered if:

  • You have tried appropriate non-surgical treatments without sufficient relief
  • You still have significant pain and loss of function
  • Your daily activities, work, or sleep are severely affected

Common Surgical Options

The most common surgery for advanced osteoarthritis is a total joint replacement, especially for:

  • Knees
  • Hips

Grand Rapids residents have access to high-quality orthopedic surgery programs through:

  • Spectrum Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health
  • Mercy Health and affiliated orthopedic practices

Before Choosing Surgery

You should be fully informed about:

  • What the surgery involves
  • The hospital stay and rehabilitation process
  • Expected benefits and realistic outcomes
  • Potential risks and complications
  • Recovery time and return-to-work expectations

Your orthopedic surgeon and care team will guide you through pre-surgical education and post-operative rehabilitation, often including physical therapy in Grand Rapids or surrounding communities.

Arthroscopy and Osteoarthritis

Arthroscopy (a “scope” of the joint) is generally not recommended as a treatment for osteoarthritis alone. It has not been shown to improve outcomes in typical degenerative osteoarthritis and is rarely used solely for OA management.

Living with Osteoarthritis in Grand Rapids

With the right plan, many people with osteoarthritis continue to work, stay active, and enjoy life in West Michigan.

Key strategies include:

  • Working closely with your healthcare team
  • Staying informed about your condition
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Staying as active as possible, year-round
  • Managing pain with a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications when needed
  • Planning activities around energy levels and pain patterns

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you may have osteoarthritis or your joint pain is getting worse, consider contacting:

  • Your primary care provider (GP / family doctor)
  • Physiotherapist / physical therapist
  • Orthopedic specialist
  • Rheumatologist
  • Exercise physiologist or certified trainer experienced with arthritis

Local resources and health systems:

  • Spectrum Health – Orthopedics, rheumatology, physical therapy, pain management
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Joint care, rehabilitation, pain services
  • Metro Health – Orthopedics and sports medicine, physical therapy
  • Mercy Health – Joint replacement programs, rehab services
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health – Community health resources, weight management and wellness programs

If you are experiencing new, severe joint pain, sudden swelling, fever, or inability to bear weight, seek prompt medical attention at an urgent care or emergency department in Grand Rapids.

Key Points About Osteoarthritis

  • Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that causes structural changes, pain, and loss of function.
  • Symptoms can vary widely between people and can change over time.
  • The larger weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, are most commonly affected.
  • Effective management usually focuses on non-surgical treatments first, including exercise, weight management, and pain control.
  • Exercise is a critical, evidence-based treatment that can reduce pain and improve mobility.
  • Opiate-based medications are generally not recommended for long-term osteoarthritis management.
  • Surgery, such as total joint replacement, may be an option if non-surgical treatments are not enough.

With comprehensive osteoarthritis care in Grand Rapids, MI, many people are able to stay active, manage pain, and maintain a high quality of life.