Arthritis and general joint pain can affect the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands, gradually limiting mobility and making everyday activities (walking, climbing stairs, reaching overhead) more difficult. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joint, while other forms of arthritis stem from inflammatory or autoimmune processes.
Typical symptoms include joint stiffness that’s worse in the morning or after periods of rest, swelling around the affected joint, a grinding or catching sensation with movement, and pain that gradually worsens with weight-bearing activity. Symptoms often develop slowly over months or years rather than appearing suddenly.
Treatment at our practice is tailored to the joint involved and the severity of degeneration. Options include corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and improve lubrication, and diagnostic joint injections to confirm which structure is generating pain when more than one area is involved. For patients with widespread or multi-joint arthritis, we coordinate a broader management plan that may include physical therapy, activity modification, and medication management alongside interventional treatment.
Arthritis is a chronic condition, and the goal of care isn’t a single fix, it’s an ongoing plan that keeps you moving and reduces flare-ups over time. We’ll walk through your imaging and exam findings together so you understand exactly what’s happening in the joint before deciding on next steps.