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Arthritis Treatment

Arthritic joints are swollen, or inflamed, usually because the smooth cartilage around them has been damaged in some way. Patients with arthritis suffer pain, stiffness and swelling in the affected area(s). Nearly one in three adults suffers from arthritis or other chronic joint symptoms. Arthritis is the most common chronic ailment among the elderly, although it can affect people of any age, including children.

Arthritis Surgery

Although there are many treatment options available to relieve arthritis pain, some people are so severely affected by this condition that their pain is unresponsive to conservative methods. Long-term, disabling arthritis pain may benefit from joint surgery to reduce pain and restore normal functioning. Joint surgery is typically used as a last resort treatment for arthritis. Joint surgery depends on the location and severity of the pain. Hip and knee surgeries are most common, but some procedures can also be used for the ankles, wrists, fingers and thumbs. Many of these procedures are minimally invasive as new technology helps to provide less scarring and shorter recovery times.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a surgeon to diagnose and treat joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. A camera the size of a pencil eraser is inserted through these portals into the joint. The joint is distended with fluid to help see the inside of the joint. Potentially treatable injuries include rotator cuff tendon tears, ACL tears, shoulder labrum tears, bone spurs and bursitis, and, torn cartilage or ligaments.

Fracture Care

Stress fractures are overuse injuries in which small cracks or breaks form in a bone. They occur when muscles lose their ability to absorb shocks. The excess energy then transfers to the bone, which cracks under the pressure. As one of the body’s most weight-bearing bones, the tibia (shin bone) is highly susceptible.

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine is a sub-specialty of orthopedics that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries suffered during activity. A common misconception is that only athletes sustain sports medicine injuries. These injuries involve tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or bone, and can occur from trauma, or repetitive use. The goal of treatment is to heal and rehabilitate the injury so patients can return to their favorite activities quickly, whether it’s Little League, recreational play, or a high school, college or professional sport. As with a sports team, there are many professionals who work together to help the patient regain maximum use of the injured limb or joint. “Players” on the team are typically the primary care physician, orthopedic surgeon, rehabilitation specialist, athletic trainer, physical therapist, – and the patient him/herself. Common injuries treated include:

  • ACL Tears
  • Compartment Syndrome
  • Fractures
  • Heat Exhaustion
  • Muscle Contusions (Bruise)
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Shin Splints
  • Sprains & Strains
  • Stress Fractures
  • Torn Tendons & Ligaments

Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear or degenerative arthritis, is the most common form of the disease, affecting millions of people in the US each year. This condition is most common in older patients whose cartilage has worn down over time, and in athletes who have worn down their cartilage from overuse and repetitive motions. Patients with osteoarthritis may experience pain, swelling and stiffness within the joint, which tend to worsen as the condition progresses. Your doctor can diagnose this condition after evaluating your symptoms and performing an X-ray examination of the affected joint. Treatment for osteoarthritis initially focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms, and may include rest, activity modification, physical therapy, bracing, nutrition, injection therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. More severe cases of osteoarthritis may require joint replacement surgery, which removes the arthritis and resurfaces the arthritic joint.

Rehabilitation

Orthopaedic physical therapy involves the rehabilitation of an injured bone, muscle, tendon, ligament, joint or limb. The injury may have been acute (the result of one incident) or chronic (long-term). The patient will usually begin a course of physical therapy after a short period of rest. Physical therapy can be used to treat and rehabilitate an acute injury, or may also be used to rehabilitate a surgical procedure. Rehabilitation programs are tailored to each patient with the goals of relieving pain and restoring maximum function to the injured area. Stretching and strengthening exercises are critical. Improvement is sought in strength, flexibility, mobility, coordination, posture, balance, gait, cardiopulmonary health, and pain. Treatment modalities may include massage, whirlpools, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat and cold applications, or alternative therapies. For athletes, rehabilitation typically involves a dual fitness program of weights and cardiovascular training.

More Information

My Shoulders Are Letting Me Down

We rely on our shoulders for countless tasks. It can be problematic when they don’t function at our best and can make ordinary tasks a challenge. Finding a cause behind unstable shoulders can help bring pain relief and peace of mind. Here are some reasons behind your shoulder pain and what you can do to treat it.

What Causes Shoulder Instability?

Your shoulders play a pivotal role in how you go about your daily life. Unstable shoulders can frequently come out of place, making everyday activities difficult. 

One cause of shoulder instability is severe trauma to the shoulder. An injury such as a dislocation causes the head of your shoulder to dislocate from the socket. The initial shoulder dislocation can result in repeated dislocations and further instability.

Genetics may be another cause of shoulder instability. Some people are born with naturally loose shoulder ligaments. Excessively loose shoulder ligaments called Hyperlaxity can cause shoulder instability. This can occur without prior dislocations or a history of strains. Hyperlaxity can increase the chances of dislocating your shoulder or weakening the joint.

Symptoms of Shoulder Instability

Several symptoms characterize shoulder instability. Shoulder instability symptoms include

  • A loose feeling in the shoulder
  • The shoulder giving out
  • Repeated shoulder dislocations
  • Pain

How is Shoulder Instability Diagnosed?

Professional examination is how shoulder instability is diagnosed. 

If you’re having shoulder trouble, your doctor can order imaging tests to find the cause. One tool to find the cause of your shoulder pain is an x-ray. The x-ray helps doctors to take a thorough look at the bones around your shoulder joint and examine them for signs of injury. Your doctor may also order an MRI for further examination. An MRI provides a detailed image of the tissues around your shoulder and helps find damage to the ligaments and tendons in the joint.

How Are Unstable Shoulders Treated?

Your treatment plan depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms. First, you may need to avoid activities that worsen your symptoms. If you can’t stay away from pain-inducing activities, modifying your movements may help give you some relief. Also, anti-inflammatory pain medications and physical therapy can help.

If your shoulder problems need more aggressive treatment, our office can help. Schedule a consultation by calling (508) 363-6363.