Key Takeaways
- When initial treatments like over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes are no longer effective, your doctor can introduce advanced options to manage arthritis pain.
- Advanced treatments for arthritis range from powerful prescription medications and targeted injections to minimally invasive procedures and joint replacement surgery.
- The best treatment for arthritis in knees or other joints depends on the type of arthritis, its severity, your overall health, and your personal goals.
- An orthopedic specialist can create a personalized treatment plan, combining different therapies to maximize pain relief and restore function.
- The expert team at Timothy Williams, MD offers specialized arthritis care in Indianapolis. Schedule a consultation to explore your advanced treatment options today.
Understanding Your Advanced Arthritis Treatment Options
Living with arthritis can feel like a constant battle against pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. You may have tried rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, only to find the relief is temporary. When your symptoms start to interfere with your daily life, it’s a sign that it’s time to talk to a doctor about more advanced treatments for arthritis.
An orthopedic specialist is a medical doctor who focuses on conditions affecting your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They have the expertise to accurately diagnose your condition and guide you through the next steps. The team at Timothy Williams, MD is dedicated to finding the right solution to help you regain control and improve your quality of life.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist for Arthritis
It can be hard to know when to escalate your care. You should consider searching for an 'orthopedic specialist near me' if you experience any of the following:
- Joint pain that persists for more than a few weeks.
- Pain that is severe and disrupts your sleep or daily activities.
- Stiffness in the morning that lasts for more than 30 minutes.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around a joint.
- A grinding or crunching sensation in your joints.
- Difficulty performing simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or opening jars.
Ignoring these symptoms can allow joint damage to progress. A timely consultation can help you access effective treatments before the condition worsens.
Non-Surgical Advanced Treatments for Arthritis
Before considering surgery, your doctor will likely explore a range of powerful non-surgical options. These treatments are designed to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and slow the progression of joint damage.
Prescription Medications
When over-the-counter options aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Prescription-strength NSAIDs like celecoxib or diclofenac are more potent than their over-the-counter counterparts and can provide significant relief from pain and inflammation.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Primarily used for inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, DMARDs work to suppress your body's overactive immune system, slowing the disease's progression and preventing permanent joint damage.
- Biologics: These are a newer subclass of DMARDs that target specific parts of the immune system involved in the inflammatory process. They are often used when traditional DMARDs are not effective.
Joint Injections
Injecting medication directly into the affected joint can provide targeted and rapid relief. This is a common and effective treatment for arthritis in knees.
| Injection Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | A powerful anti-inflammatory that quickly reduces swelling and pain. | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Supplements the joint's natural fluid, providing lubrication and cushioning. | Knee Osteoarthritis |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) | Uses your own blood's healing factors to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. | Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis |
Surgical Treatments for Arthritis
If non-surgical methods no longer provide adequate relief and your quality of life is severely impacted, your orthopedic specialist may discuss surgical options. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, correct deformities, and restore function to the joint.
Arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) to view the inside of your joint. They can then use small surgical instruments to clean up damaged cartilage, remove bone spurs, or repair torn tissues. Arthroscopy is often used as a treatment for arthritis in knees to address mechanical symptoms.
Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
In this procedure, a surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and permanently fuses the two bones of the joint together. While this eliminates motion in the joint, it also eliminates the pain caused by bones rubbing against each other. It is most commonly performed in the spine, ankles, wrists, and fingers.
Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)
Joint replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures available. A surgeon removes the damaged parts of the joint and replaces them with a prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components. The new artificial joint moves smoothly, providing dramatic pain relief and restoring mobility. This is a highly effective arthritis knee treatment, as well as for hips and shoulders.
Find the Right Arthritis Treatment at Dr. Timothy J. Williams
Are you tired of letting arthritis pain dictate your life? Take the next step toward lasting relief. The specialists at Dr. Timothy J. Williams will work with you to diagnose the cause of your pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
From advanced non-surgical options to state-of-the-art joint replacement surgery, Dr. Timothy J. Williams offers expert orthopedic care to help you get moving again. Schedule your appointment today to learn more about our arthritis treatment services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which arthritis treatment is right for me?
The right treatment depends on many factors, including the type and severity of your arthritis, the joints affected, your age, and your overall health. An orthopedic specialist will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include physical exams and imaging tests, to recommend the most effective plan for you.
What is the most common treatment for arthritis in knees?
Treatment for arthritis in knees often starts with conservative methods like weight management, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. For more persistent pain, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections are common and effective. If joint damage is severe, total knee replacement is a highly successful long-term solution.
How do you treat arthritis without surgery?
There are many ways to treat arthritis without surgery. Your doctor can help with advanced options like prescription-strength NSAIDs, targeted injections (corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid), physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles, and lifestyle modifications. These methods can significantly reduce pain and improve function for many people.
