Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is the collective term for a group of diseases that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints. Arthritis ranges in severity and can lead to a decreased range of motion and mobility problems. 

Of the more than 100 different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that develops as the cartilage that cushions and lubricates the bones that meet the joint wear away. Without cartilage, your joints become irritated and painful.

Other common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. 

When should I talk to a doctor about arthritis?

You should always talk to a doctor about persistent joint pain. Many people ignore the early signs of arthritis, assuming their joint pain is a sign of aging. However, when you get an early diagnosis, you can start treatment to minimize your pain and the disruption to your life.

You should make an appointment at SEPA Pain & Spine if you have severe joint pain that limits your range of motion, mobility, and quality of life. You should also seek medical care if your joint is visibly deformed, red, or warm to the touch.

How is arthritis treated?

SEPA Pain & Spine begins with a thorough exam to evaluate your joint pain and confirm an arthritis diagnosis. In addition to reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and completing the exam, the team may suggest tests, including bone scans, MRIs, X-rays, and blood tests.

After confirming your diagnosis, the SEPA Pain & Spine team creates a personalized treatment plan. While there isn’t a cure for arthritis, with proper treatment, you can manage your symptoms and maintain a pain-free, active life. 

Your treatment plan may include:

Medication

Your provider at SEPA Pain & Spine may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids to reduce swelling and pain in arthritic joints. 

Joint injections

SEPA Pain & Spine offers joint injections, including steroid and viscosupplementation. Steroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medicine directly into your joint. Viscosupplementation relubricates your knee joint to improve its health and function.

Regenerative medicine

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy may help relieve arthritis pain. These treatments may stimulate your body’s ability to generate new cells to heal itself, which may improve your joint health.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can help you strengthen the muscles around an arthritic joint and improve your flexibility. Enhanced support can reduce stress and pain on your affected joints. 

Surgery

In severe cases, you may need surgery to address arthritis. SEPA Pain & Spine offers minimally invasive spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulator implantation. Your provider may also recommend synovectomy, ostomy, or joint replacement.

You don’t have to live with painful arthritis symptoms. Call SEPA Pain & Spine, or make an appointment online today for expert, personalized treatment.