Joint & Extremity
Arthritis
From first stiffness to joint replacement — care at every stage.
Arthritis is a broad term for joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis — the wear-and-tear kind — is by far the most common, affecting most people to some degree by age 65. Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic) is less common but more aggressive. Both can be managed effectively with the right combination of activity, medications, injections, and — when needed — joint replacement. Our team handles every stage.
Understanding the Condition
What is Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage — the smooth covering on the ends of bones in a joint. As cartilage wears, the underlying bone becomes exposed, bone spurs form, and joint motion becomes painful and stiff. Most common in weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, lumbar spine) and the hands.
Inflammatory arthritis is autoimmune — the body attacks its own joint linings (synovium), causing inflammation and progressive joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type. Treatment is medical (DMARDs, biologics) under rheumatology; we manage the orthopedic consequences.
Common Causes
- Aging (universal cartilage wear)
- Genetics (some families have earlier and more severe arthritis)
- Prior joint injury or surgery (post-traumatic arthritis)
- Obesity (additional joint loading)
- Repetitive overuse
- Inflammatory autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid, psoriatic, lupus)
- Crystal arthropathies (gout, pseudogout)
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain, especially with use
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning
- Decreased range of motion
- Swelling and warmth in inflammatory arthritis
- Bone spurs (palpable knobs around the joint)
- Crepitus (grinding/cracking sensation)
- Joint deformity in advanced disease
When to Seek Care
When Should You See a Specialist?
See a specialist when arthritis pain limits activities you want to do, when conservative measures (NSAIDs, weight management) aren't enough, or when there's joint deformity or instability. Suspected inflammatory arthritis (multiple swollen joints, prolonged morning stiffness, fatigue) warrants rheumatology evaluation.
Treatment Options
How We Treat Arthritis
We always begin with the least invasive treatment that's likely to work for you. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative care has been given a fair trial — or when the situation truly requires it.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Care
- Weight management (each pound lost = 4 pounds off the knees)
- Activity modification — switching from impact to non-impact exercise
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy — strengthening surrounding muscles
- Cortisone injections for flares
- Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections for knee osteoarthritis
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for select cases of mild-to-moderate arthritis
- Bracing and unloading techniques
Surgical Options
- Total knee replacement (robotic-assisted available)
- Direct anterior or traditional total hip replacement
- Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental)
- Total shoulder replacement (anatomic or reverse)
- Joint fusion (small joints, sometimes ankle or wrist)
- Joint preservation surgery (osteotomy) — for select younger patients
Recovery & Outlook
What to Expect After Treatment
Most osteoarthritis is well-managed long-term with conservative measures, with surgery reserved for end-stage disease. Total joint replacement outcomes are excellent — modern hip and knee implants last 20–25+ years and dramatically improve quality of life. Inflammatory arthritis outcomes have transformed with biologic therapy.
Related Treatments
Services That Address Arthritis
Arthritis — Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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Chronic Pain
Persistent pain lasting more than 3 months that requires specialized management approaches.
Get Expert Help for Arthritis
Our specialists can diagnose your condition and design a personalized treatment plan that gets you back to the life you love.