Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can be complex. We help you find relief.
Osteoarthritis, the gradual wear of the cartilage that cushions your joints, is common, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you enjoy. When the pain and stiffness stick around, there can be more to the story.
Override specializes in chronic pain. Our virtual care team looks at the physical, neurological, and emotional factors that can influence ongoing joint pain, then builds a personalized care plan around your needs, goals, and life.
of appointments are fully virtual. In-network with most insurance plans in select states.
of patients report improvement*
satisfaction with Override providers*
*Source: Internal Override Health patient-reported outcomes data
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your joints, most commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, feet, and spine. As cartilage wears down, bones can rub more directly against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It typically develops gradually from a combination of age, joint overuse, past injury, and genetics.
Common symptoms:
Joint pain that’s worse with activity and eases with rest
Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while
A grating or clicking sensation with movement
Swelling around the affected joint
Gradually decreasing range of motion over time
Chronic pain from osteoarthritis is also a nervous system story. Living with joint pain for years can lead to a more sensitized nervous system, which is part of why how much OA limits someone isn’t purely determined by imaging findings. A whole-person approach can matter as much as the joint itself.
Osteoarthritis vs. other conditions. Osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” condition affecting cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining. If you’re managing RA, we offer pain support alongside your rheumatologist’s care. Osteoporosis is a different condition altogether: a loss of bone density rather than cartilage wear.
When Osteoarthritis Becomes More Than a Joint Problem
When joint pain from OA lasts for years, it can start affecting much more than the joint itself.
Pain can change how you exercise, how you climb stairs, what activities you avoid, and how confident you feel about staying active as you age.
That’s why Override doesn’t treat osteoarthritis as only a cartilage problem.
We look at the whole pain experience and build a personalized plan around your symptoms, history, goals, and the factors that may be contributing to your pain.
A Whole-Person Approach to Osteoarthritis
You may have already seen a doctor, tried physical therapy, or taken medication or supplements. Maybe something helped for a while. Maybe nothing did.
Override isn’t about asking one more treatment to solve every part of a complex pain experience.
It’s about bringing the right care together.
Depending on your needs, your personalized care plan may include:
Pain Medicine
Pain specialists trained in pain neuroscience and non-opioid chronic pain management who can oversee your care plan and adjust medications when appropriate.
Physical Therapy
Movement specialists trained in chronic pain who help build the muscular support around the joint that meaningfully reduces symptoms regardless of how much cartilage has worn down.
Pain Psychology
Pain-focused therapists who help address the frustration and activity avoidance that can build up with a long-term joint condition.
Coaching & Peer Support
Certified pain coaches help you build sustainable activity habits and stay supported between visits.
Your care is personalized to you. You may not need every service. The difference is that your providers can work together as one team, with one shared understanding of your pain and your goals.
Real Results
“Override has been a game-changer in my journey with chronic pain. It’s not just about relief; it’s about unlocking my life, revitalizing relationships, and retraining my physical function. I’m getting outside more often, have a little more pep in my step, and for the first time in a LONG, LONG time, I feel hopeful.”
Raymond K.
Override patient
How Is Osteoarthritis Treated?
There isn’t one treatment that resolves OA for everyone, since it’s a long-term condition to manage rather than a one-time fix.
Treatment can include physical therapy, medications, and behavioral approaches. Joint replacement surgery is generally reserved for severe, advanced cases where conservative treatment hasn’t kept pace with symptoms.
We’ve created a complete guide to osteoarthritis treatment options, including how different approaches work and when they may be considered.
When Should You Consider Override for Osteoarthritis?
Override may be a good fit if:
Your symptoms have lasted three months or longer
Your pain keeps returning or interfering with your daily life
You’ve tried treatment without enough relief
Pain is affecting your movement, sleep, work, mood, or the things you want to do
You’re looking for a more comprehensive, ongoing approach to managing a long-term condition
Override isn’t emergency or acute injury care. If you have sudden, severe joint pain and swelling, or a joint that’s hot to the touch with fever, seek in-person medical care to rule out infection or another acute cause.
Related Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
While OA becomes more common with age, it isn’t something everyone experiences to the same degree. Joint overuse, past injury, weight, and genetics all play a role, and it responds well to treatment regardless of age.
Cartilage that’s already worn down doesn’t regenerate, but that doesn’t mean symptoms are fixed. Many people significantly reduce pain and improve function through strengthening, activity modification, and targeted treatment.
Generally, no. Appropriate, low-impact exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing OA. The right type and intensity depends on your specific joint and stage.
No. The majority of cases are managed long-term with conservative care. Surgery is generally considered only for severe, advanced cases.
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