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Nearly five million Canadians, or one in six, are affected by osteoarthritis – a disease of the whole joint that leads to the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It is the most common form of arthritis and affects more Canadians than all other forms of arthritis combined.
In normal joints, cartilage – the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones – acts as a cushion and provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to breakdown, leading to pain, swelling, and problems moving the joint. As it worsens over time, the cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone, causing joint damage and increased pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is sometimes described as degenerative or “wear-and-tear” arthritis, but recent studies more accurately describe it as a result of the body’s failed attempt to repair damaged joint tissues. It usually progresses slowly over months or years and early symptoms tend to come and go. As damage accumulates, symptoms can become more constant, occurring at rest and disturbing sleep. There is currently no cure for OA, but symptoms can improve with treatment.
The joints most commonly affected by OA are the knees, hips, first toes, wrists, thumbs, fingers, and spine. This disease affects everyone differently and depends on which joints are affected and how severely, but common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, clicking or cracking sounds when joints bend, and reduced range of movement in the affected joints.
For most people OA can occur when otherwise healthy joints are exposed to heavy workloads over a long period of time. However, there are also a number of risk factors that may increase your chances of developing OA:
Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease and, although there is no cure, treatment can help reduce your symptoms and make it possible for you to lead a full and active life. In most cases, you can manage mild to moderate arthritis symptoms for many years with a treatment plan that may include:
If the pain and stiffness from arthritis don’t improve or worsen, your doctor may recommend pain management procedures, opioid pain medication, or, if the pain is debilitating, surgery.
For more information on your treatment options, please speak to your health care practitioner.
REFERENCES
Arthritis Foundation (2022) “Osteoarthritis.” www.arthritis.org. Accessed January 10, 2022.
Arthritis Society Canada (2022) “Osteoarthritis.” www.arthritis.ca. Accessed January 10, 2022.
Healthwise Staff (2021) “Osteoarthritis.” www.myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed January 10, 2022.
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At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.
We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:
MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight
Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health
Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care
Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life
But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.
We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.
To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.
At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.
Key Points:
Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.
Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.
Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).
Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.
Vision & Mission:
Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”
Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”
