DTC OA Care Clinics® offer minimally invasive solutions for joint pain using advanced regenerative therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), stem cells, and exosomes. These treatments support natural healing, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair—without the need for surgery or long recovery times.

Benefits include:

• Reduced joint pain and inflammation

• Improved mobility and joint function

• Faster recovery compared to surgical options

• Natural, targeted healing at the source of pain

Our clinics make it easy for providers to deliver cutting-edge joint care that fits seamlessly into everyday practice.

Almost half of adults with diabetes have arthritis and people with arthritis have a 61% higher risk of developing diabetes than those without the joint disease.

Understanding Diabetic Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the joints that leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility due to the gradual breakdown of cartilage. When compounded by diabetes, the condition can worsen due to increased systemic inflammation, poor circulation, and metabolic dysfunction, all of which accelerate joint degeneration and pain.

Symptoms of Diabetic Osteoarthritis

Patients with both diabetes and osteoarthritis often experience:

• Chronic joint pain, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine

• Muscle weakness, leading to reduced joint support and increased instability

• Joint misalignment, contributing to discomfort and loss of function

• Decreased balance, increasing the risk of falls due to joint instability and neuropathy

• Restricted mobility, interfering with daily activities such as walking, standing, and climbing stairs

The Connection Between Diabetes and Chronic Pain

Millions of individuals with diabetes experience chronic pain, including back pain, knee pain, and diabetic neuropathy. Poor blood sugar control can contribute to:

• Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), leading to burning, tingling, and numbness

• Joint inflammation (diabetic osteoarthritis), resulting in stiffness and swelling

• Delayed healing and increased pain sensitivity, making pain management more challenging

As a result, many patients turn to prescription pain medications, including opioids, for relief. However, opioid use presents significant risks, including dependency, addiction, and side effects that can impact overall health and quality of life.

Non-Opioid Pain Management: Safe and Effective Alternatives

Medical providers seeking opioid-free pain management solutions for their patients may consider advanced orthopedic bracing as a treatment option. These braces are designed to:

• Provide joint stabilization, reducing pain and inflammation

• Improve mobility and function, enhancing overall quality of life

• Support weakened muscles and misaligned joints, promoting better posture and movement

• Reduce pressure on affected joints, contributing to long-term comfort

Reimbursable Pain Management Under Medical Supervision

Orthopedic bracing may be reimbursed by commercial insurance payers as part of a comprehensive, non-opioid pain management plan under the supervision of a medical provider, as well as self pay braces. This treatment option offers a safe, evidence-based approach for reducing pain and improving mobility in patients with diabetic osteoarthritis.

Next Steps for Medical Providers

For providers looking to expand their chronic pain management offerings, orthopedic bracing presents a low-risk, high-impact solution that can be easily integrated into existing treatment plans. Medical practices can benefit from:

• A clinically proven, non-invasive alternative to opioids

• Reimbursement opportunities through commercial insurance plans

• Improved patient outcomes and long-term mobility support