West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, & Interventional Pain Management located conveniently across west TennesseeNow offering Telehealth appointments
Persistent joint pain and stiffness may be due to arthritis, a common condition that affects more than 54 million adults in the United States. The team at West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. helps people with arthritis improve their joint function and relieve pain at 11 locations in Union City, Trenton, Selmer, Paris, Lexington, Huntingdon, Dyersburg, and two offices each in Jackson and Martin, Tennessee. For expert arthritis management, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
Arthritis Management Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis causes inflammation in one or more joints. This inflammation causes joint pain and stiffness that can interfere with your normal activities.
Fortunately, treatment is available. The team at West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. offers a variety of surgical and nonsurgical approaches to arthritis management. They work in partnership with you to find the best treatment for your specific type of arthritis and unique lifestyle.
What are the most common types of arthritis?
There are many forms of arthritis, with different causes. The most common types of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down, causing the bones to grind against one another.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the healthy tissues in your joint.
Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis may result from a previous joint injury, such as a fracture.
All types of arthritis cause similar symptoms, including joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
First, the team at West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. carefully reviews your symptoms and performs a physical exam. They may also take an on-site X-ray and order blood tests to determine the type and severity of your arthritis so they can develop an effective management plan.
What does nonsurgical arthritis management entail?
There’s no cure for arthritis, but the team at West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. uses a variety of nonsurgical treatments to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Nonsurgical treatment for arthritis may include:
- Physical therapy
- Home exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Viscosupplementation, an injection of hyaluronic acid to lubricate a joint
You may also wear a brace, splint, or bandage and use assistive devices like a cane, crutches, or a walker.
When would I need surgery for arthritis?
If nonsurgical treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, it may be time to consider surgery. The team at West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures whenever possible. Joint replacement surgery is a common treatment for advanced cases of arthritis.
For expertise in arthritis management, call West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C., or book an appointment online today.