Joint pain and swelling are frequent symptoms of arthritis. Inflammation and pain might make it difficult to move or remain active. Although arthritis is more common in old age, it can strike anyone, including young adults.
There are numerous types of arthritis. Each kind results in a variety of symptoms and may call for a specialized course of treatment.
Arthritis Treatments
The goal of arthritis treatment is to alleviate symptoms while also enhancing joint function. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatment options, including:
Medication
Medications that reduce inflammation and discomfort may be able to help relieve the symptoms of your arthritis. Many drugs are available depending on the specific form of arthritis you have. Medications for arthritis include, but is not limited to:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Counterirritants
- Steroids
Physical Therapy
Some forms of arthritis may respond favorably to treatment with physical therapy. Exercising the joints’ muscles can significantly enhance mobility and strengthen those muscles. Your therapist can instruct you on modifying your routine to reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis.
Therapeutic Injections
There are two types of injections used for arthritis:
- Viscosupplementation – Lubricant is injected into the joint to facilitate easy movement.
- Cortisone injections – Used to provide temporary relief for joint pain and inflammation.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is usually recommended only for severe cases of arthritis. If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, your provider may recommend more invasive methods, such as:
- Joint repair
- Joint replacement
- Joint fusion
Knee Arthritis Treatment
There is no cure for osteoarthritis in the long run, but there are ways to improve symptoms and functionality. You can manage knee arthritis without surgery if treated early.
Your provider will advise you to take medications for relief and pain management. Therapy is another alternative that can help strengthen the muscles around your affected joint and boost your flexibility. It can also decrease the discomfort you feel. Viscosupplementation and cortisone injections are great options, too.
Your doctor may offer a variety of surgical procedures if nonoperative treatments have failed to alleviate your arthritis. Common osteoarthritis surgeries include:
- Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty – metal or plastic implants replace the injured knee joint parts, reduce pain, and promote function.
- Osteotomy – may be necessary if an impact injury affects the alignment of your knee and causes the cartilage to wear away at a faster rate.
- Arthroscopic Surgery – allows your orthopedic surgeon to clean out the joint, remove any debris and damaged tissue that may be present, and repair any damaged cartilage that may be contributing to the progression of your problem.
Hip Arthritis Treatment
Your hips are in danger of developing “wear-and-tear” arthritis, just like any other weight-bearing joints in your body. If left untreated, osteoarthritis of the hip will worsen to the point where resting is no longer sufficient to soothe the pain. The hip can become tight and inflammatory, and bone spurs can form around the ends of the joint.
You can avoid or slow down many of the condition’s adverse effects, such as physical and mental impairment, with early non-invasive interventions. Your provider may recommend activities to relieve the pressure that your joint bears. They may suggest rest, physical therapy, NSAIDs, and weight reduction around your hips.
Your orthopedic surgeon may offer total hip replacement surgery or arthroplasty if you have advanced hip osteoarthritis. The treatment can also help if your joint is distorted or hurts when you try to sleep. This procedure entails replacing your hip joint with an artificial implant to alleviate pain and enhance your walking capacity.
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis in the shoulder is most likely to impact the acromioclavicular (AC) and glenohumeral joints. Three forms of arthritis can affect these joints: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Rest, ice, and NSAIDs are the first-line treatments for shoulder arthritis. You may need corticosteroid injections or glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
If these treatments don’t work, you may need surgery. If you have arthritis in the glenohumeral joint, your doctor may suggest a shoulder replacement. Resection arthroplasty is an option for patients with AC joint arthritis.
Orthopedic Doctor Near You In San Antonio, TX
It is in your best interest to get your arthritis checked out to lessen the pain and the likelihood of needing surgery. Intervention at an early stage can prevent it from getting worse. If you observe symptoms of arthritis, see an orthopedic doctor near you.
The Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine in San Antonio, Texas, is committed to delivering patient-centered quality care. Our board-certified doctors are experts in various surgical and rehabilitative techniques.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our staff today at (210) 692-7400. You can also fill out our online appointment form now. We look forward to helping you enjoy a pain-free life!
