Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a collection of over 100 different diseases that cause inflammation and pain in your joints. Osteoarthritis — the degenerative form of the disease — is the most widespread form of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage that covers the bones that meet in your joints wears away. Without cartilage, the ends of your bones rub together without lubrication, resulting in irritation, inflammation, and swelling.

Other common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the synovium in your joints, and gout, a condition that develops when uric acid crystals build up in your joints. Gout usually occurs in your big toe, but it can affect any joint.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Joint pain is the primary symptom of arthritis. You may also experience stiffness, a reduced range of motion, and swelling in the affected joints. Arthritis can affect any joint in your body, from your feet to your neck and jaw, including your spine.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Oppong at Innovative Pain Solutions Centers diagnose arthritis with a comprehensive physical exam and diagnostic testing to confirm the issue causing your joint pain. During your physical exam, they ask about your lifestyle and personal and family medical history. They also feel your affected joints to check for swelling and other signs of inflammation. Your doctor also guides you through a series of gentle movements to gauge any stiffness or reduction in your range of motion.

You may also need diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays and MRIs to examine the inside of your joint for signs of arthritis. These procedures are painless and can show your doctor details that an external exam cannot identify.

How is arthritis treated?

At Innovative Pain Solutions Centers, Dr. Oppong offers a wide range of treatments, depending on your condition. For example, you may benefit from:

• Steroid and cortisone injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Topical treatments
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Physical therapy
• Aquatherapy
• Orthotics

The doctors can also help you lose weight to reduce the amount of pressure on your joints, and they provide customized medication management services to relieve your pain.

If you’re living with joint pain that’s interfering with your life, call Innovative Pain Solutions Centers or make an appointment online today.

Please click here to watch our PRP Therapy for Chronic Knee Pain video!