Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects the whole joint and can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty moving. Dr. Rick Verjans discusses how to stay as active as possible and which treatment fits your symptoms.

Assessing joint pain

Assessment considers pain, movement, sport or work and previous treatments. Examination and, when needed, imaging help establish the diagnosis. Joint pain is not always caused by osteoarthritis.

Activity and exercise therapy

An adapted activity and exercise programme can support strength, mobility and daily function. Managing activity load and, where relevant, weight are also part of care. The aim is achievable activity and better quality of life.

Which injections may be discussed?

Persistent symptoms may sometimes justify considering an additional injection. The choice depends on the joint, diagnosis, previous care and medical circumstances. Read about:

• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid or gel injections
• PRP injections
• Arthrosamid for knee osteoarthritis

Mechanisms, evidence, risks and costs differ. None of these injections guarantees recovery or automatically replaces other treatment.

Read the information on PRP, hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids and Arthrosamid, as well as high-dose PRP and the evidence on platelet dose in knee osteoarthritis.

PRP for knee osteoarthritis: European recommendations

The ESSKA-ORBIT and ESSKA-ICRS consensus documents support PRP in selected patients with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis after an insufficient response to conservative treatment. It is not a universal first-line treatment or a standard choice for severe knee osteoarthritis (KL IV).

Read who may be a suitable candidate and the comparison with hyaluronic acid. Potential benefit is assessed individually; exercise therapy and activity adjustment remain important.

PRP section updated in the Dutch source: 4 October 2026.

When is a different approach needed?

If symptoms remain severe despite treatment, further investigation or referral to an orthopaedic surgeon may be discussed.

Consultations in Ghent or Antwerp

View the practice locations and book. Bring previous results and read the practical information.

Background: World Health Organization – osteoarthritis.

This website is available in English and French. Please ask about the available consultation language when booking; a website translation does not confirm that consultations are offered in that language.