Arthritis And Joint Pain Specialist

What is arthritis?

There are over 100 types of arthritis — they’re all diseases that cause joint inflammation and pain. Arthritis symptoms include swollen, stiff, painful joints. You might also have trouble fully extending or flexing a joint, and the skin covering your affected joints might be red and warm.

Osteoarthritis is the degenerative, and most prevalent, form of the condition that develops as the cartilage that lines, cushions, and lubricates your joints wears away. Your risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. Your family medical history, weight, and lifestyle also contribute to your risk.

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

When should I talk to a doctor about joint pain?

Many patients assume that joint pain is just something they need to get used to as they age. However, you should never ignore joint pain. If you experience sudden and acute joint pain or know that you’ve injured a joint, call Dr. Makani right away.

You can also try to treat mild joint pain at home with heat, ice, and over-the-counter pain-relieving medicine. However, if your joint pain doesn’t go away with a couple of days of at-home care, you should make an appointment at Ascend Orthopaedics And Sports Medicine.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Makani and his team provide extensive exams, including diagnostic imaging studies, to identify the cause of your joint pain. They review your medical history and symptoms and check your joints for signs of inflammation, swelling, and deformity.

They might also use X-rays, MRI scans, or minimally invasive arthroscopy to examine the inside of your joints in more detail.

How is arthritis treated?

Whenever possible, Dr. Makani and his team provide customized treatments to preserve your joints and reduce your pain. For example, they might recommend cortisone, Synvisc-One®, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

Physical therapy is another critical component of arthritis treatment. Strengthening the surrounding muscles and connective tissue can reduce stress on your joints and support pain relief.

In severe cases, Dr. Makani and his team can perform total joint replacement procedures, although they do their best to treat your joint pain without major surgery. If you have joint pain, you’re in good hands with Dr. Makani. He has rigorous fellowship training in joint preservation and replacement. Call Ascend Orthopaedics And Sports Medicine today or make an appointment online for innovative joint care.