Did you know that over 50 million adults in the United States are affected by arthritis, making it one of the most common causes of joint pain and discomfort? Whether it's osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of this condition, finding ways to manage the pain can significantly improve your quality of life.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialist, we are dedicated to providing expert arthritis treatment and comprehensive orthopedic care across all our convenient locations, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Lehighton and New Tripoli, PA. Our team of specialists understands the challenges that arthritis presents and offers individualized care plans designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you regain control of your daily activities. If you’re struggling with arthritis, we’re here to help—schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward feeling better.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A SPECIALIST
Read on to learn more about practical treatment options and strategies for managing arthritis-related joint pain.
Different Types of Arthritis and Their Symptoms
Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation or swelling of the joints, which can result from various causes. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain and stiffness in the affected joint
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
- Limited range of motion
- Grating sensation or sound with movement
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body. RA primarily affects smaller joints such as fingers, wrists, and toes, but it can also affect larger joints.
Symptoms may include:
- Joint pain and stiffness, typically in the morning
- Swelling and tenderness around the joints
- Fatigue and low-grade fever
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that often occurs in people with psoriasis. It can affect any joint, but most often affects fingers, toes, lower back, wrists, knees, or ankles.
Symptoms may include:
- Painful swollen joints
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Red patches of skin with silvery scales (psoriasis)
- Nail changes, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed
Treatment Options for Arthritis Pain Managment
While arthritis has no cure, advances in care allow doctors to help patients relieve arthritis pain and regain mobility. A combination of approaches often works best:
Medications
At OAA, our physicians carefully evaluate each case to recommend treatments that address the unique needs of our patients. Common arthritis medication options include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
- Corticosteroid injections, particularly effective for localized arthritis treatment knee, to reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), often used for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, to slow disease progression.
Topical treatments, like creams containing capsaicin or menthol, may also provide targeted joint pain relief for specific areas.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medications, making certain lifestyle changes can also help improve arthritis symptoms over time. Our specialists at OAA work closely with patients to incorporate the following strategies into their care plans:
- Exercise: Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and yoga improve range of motion and strengthen muscles around affected joints. These exercises help reduce pain and support overall joint health.
- Nutritional adjustments: A well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet including omega-3-rich foods like fish, chia seeds, and flaxseeds supports healthy joints and aids in managing inflammation.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints, particularly in the knees and hips, which commonly experience painful joints in arthritis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a core part of OAA’s approach to arthritis care. Collaborating with highly skilled physical therapists, we offer customized therapy plans aimed at improving overall strength, flexibility, and mobility.
- Therapeutic exercises target aching joints and surrounding muscles, providing stability while helping to relieve joint pain.
- Additional therapy techniques, including heat and cold applications, massage, and joint mobilization, can alleviate severe stiffness and ease pain.
By integrating therapy with broader care plans, we enable patients to regain independence and improve their daily routines.
Surgery
For advanced arthritis cases where other interventions do not provide sufficient joint pain relief, surgical solutions may be necessary. OAA's Joint Replacement Center specializes in minimally invasive techniques to minimize recovery time and maximize outcomes.
For severe arthritis, especially in key joints like the knees or hips, joint replacement surgery offers a fresh start. By replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic implant, we can reduce painful joints and help restore your ability to move comfortably. Our minimally invasive approach is designed to make recovery quicker and outcomes better.
Before recommending surgery, our specialists explore all non-invasive options and use advanced imaging technologies to create precise surgical plans. Post-surgery, physical therapy helps patients restore their range of motion and return to normal activities.
Finding Relief for Your Arthritis Pain at OAA Orthopaedic Specialists
Living with arthritis doesn’t mean you have to accept constant discomfort. From arthritis medication and therapy to advanced surgical interventions, there are many ways to relieve arthritis pain and equip yourself for an active, fulfilling life.
If you’re struggling with severe pain or feeling limited by your arthritis symptoms, schedule an appointment with OAA to explore the options that suit your needs. Every step forward, no matter how small, helps you take control of your arthritis and regain the life you love.
