Condition · Osteoarthritis clinic
Knee pain on the stairs, a stiff hip in the morning, swollen finger joints: osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in Germany. We treat it conservatively – that is, without surgery.
Osteoarthritis is progressive wear of the joint cartilage. It cannot be reversed, but physiotherapy, physical therapy, medication, injections (e.g. cortisone, hyaluronic acid, ACP) and acupuncture can often relieve symptoms significantly. The goal is to reduce pain, maintain mobility and delay or avoid surgery.
The condition
What happens in the joint, how to recognise osteoarthritis and which joints can be affected.
The basics
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in a joint gradually wears away. Cartilage is the smooth gliding layer between the bones. As it becomes thinner, the joint surfaces rub against each other more, the underlying bone changes and the joint lining can become inflamed (activated osteoarthritis).
Common causes and risk factors include age, previous injuries, malalignment (such as knock knees or bow legs), excess weight, one-sided strain and a family predisposition.
Affected joints
The assessment
Consultation and examination, ultrasound and X-ray directly in the practice.
Diagnostics
We start with a detailed conversation and a thorough physical examination, checking mobility, stability, alignment and muscles and looking at how you walk and bear weight.
Ultrasound and X-ray are available directly in the practice, so we can add further examinations without detours. This allows us to assess the severity of the osteoarthritis and put together a treatment plan that fits your joint, your everyday life and your goals.
Treatment goal: Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed. With the right combination of treatments, however, symptoms can often be relieved significantly and progression slowed down.
Our treatment
From medication and injections to acupuncture and physiotherapy through to surgical advice – and what you can contribute yourself.
Our treatments
From medication and injections to acupuncture and targeted physiotherapy: we combine the methods that make sense for your joint.
Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication helps especially during flare-ups – as ointments, gels or tablets (NSAIDs). We take pre-existing conditions and side effects into account and use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.
In acutely inflamed, swollen osteoarthritis, a cortisone injection into the joint can calm the inflammation quickly. We use it selectively and sparingly, as frequent repetition can damage cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid. The injection aims to improve gliding and can relieve pain – usually as a series, mainly for mild to moderate osteoarthritis (e.g. knee, hip, thumb base).
From a small blood sample we obtain plasma rich in the body's own platelets and growth factors using a double-syringe system and inject it into the joint. It can dampen inflammation and relieve pain. Takes a few minutes, usually as a series.
Can relieve osteoarthritis pain and is often combined with other treatments. Both doctors hold the additional qualification in acupuncture. More about acupuncture
Heat, cold, electrical stimulation and other physical stimuli relieve pain, promote circulation and relax tense muscles. Dr Kochs is a specialist in Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine.
Targeted exercise is one of the most effective measures for osteoarthritis: it strengthens muscles, improves mobility and coordination and relieves the cartilage. We prescribe physiotherapy and agree the focus with you.
For persistent symptoms, low-dose X-ray irradiation may be an option in individual cases. It is performed by radiotherapy specialists; we advise you and refer you if appropriate.
If surgery is being considered
We do not perform operations in our practice. Is surgery already advisable? Joint replacement or joint-preserving surgery? How long will recovery take? We take the time to advise you independently.
Findings, previous therapies, your goals – and whether surgery is already sensible.
If you decide on surgery, we put you in touch with experienced surgical partners.
Targeted physiotherapy in the weeks before surgery – for a faster recovery.
After the operation, we are happy to take over your orthopaedic follow-up care.
Prehabilitation – fit for surgery: People who go into surgery with strong muscles and good mobility usually get back on their feet faster. You specifically train the muscles around the joint, practise using crutches and prepare for the first days after surgery.
Self-help
Cycling, swimming, aqua aerobics or Nordic walking supply the cartilage with nutrients.
Physiotherapy exercises work best when they become part of your daily routine.
Every kilo less relieves the knee and hip joints in particular.
Reduce prolonged impact loading and heavy lifting where possible.
Last updated: September 2026 · Responsible for content: Dr med. Andreas Kochs and Dr med. Henrik Rode. This information does not replace a medical examination.
FAQ
Yes. In many cases, osteoarthritis symptoms can be managed well for a long time with conservative therapy – physiotherapy, physical therapy, medication, injections and acupuncture. Surgery usually only becomes an option when these measures no longer help sufficiently.
Both are injected directly into the joint and are mainly considered for mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid aims to improve gliding; ACP uses anti-inflammatory components from your own blood. Which is more suitable depends on the joint, the stage and your symptoms – we will advise you personally.
German statutory health insurance generally does not cover these costs; they are self-pay services (IGeL). Private insurers reimburse fully or partly depending on your plan. We inform you about the costs before treatment.
Cortisone injections often work quickly for inflamed osteoarthritis but should not be repeated too often, as cortisone can damage cartilage in the long term. We use it selectively and combine it with other treatments.
Acupuncture can relieve osteoarthritis pain, especially in combination with physiotherapy. For chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis, German statutory health insurance covers the costs under certain conditions.
Prehabilitation is targeted training before planned surgery, such as a knee or hip replacement. Physiotherapy in the weeks before the operation improves strength and mobility and can make recovery easier.
No. We advise you in detail on surgical options, liaise with our surgical partners and are happy to provide preparation and aftercare.
Autologous blood therapy (ACP): For osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and ankle, ACP may also be an option after medical advice. ACP is a self-pay service. More about ACP
Book an appointment
Do you have joint pain or known osteoarthritis and would like to discuss your treatment options? Book an appointment.
