Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It affects over 50 million adults in the U.S. and is one of the leading causes of disability and reduced mobility. Arthritis can impact a single joint or multiple joints, and its severity ranges from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but the most common include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Common Types and Causes of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most common form of arthritis
Caused by degenerative wear-and-tear of joint cartilage
Typically affects knees, hips, hands, and spine
Risk factors: aging, obesity, repetitive motion, joint injury
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks joint lining
Leads to chronic inflammation, joint erosion, and deformity
Often begins in the hands, wrists, and feet
Psoriatic Arthritis
Associated with the skin condition psoriasis
Causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in fingers and toes
Other Forms
Gout (uric acid crystal buildup in joints)
Lupus-related arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis (affecting the spine and pelvis)
Symptoms of Arthritis
Joint pain, tenderness, or swelling
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
Reduced range of motion
Joint deformities in advanced stages
Grinding or popping sounds with movement
Fatigue or malaise in autoimmune forms
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) for inflammation and pain relief
Acetaminophen for mild arthritis discomfort
DMARDs and biologics for autoimmune types like RA
Topical agents (e.g., diclofenac gel, capsaicin cream)
Physical Therapy
Joint stabilization exercises
Stretching and low-impact strengthening
Postural and gait correction
Lifestyle Changes
Weight management to reduce joint load
Anti-inflammatory diet
Low-impact exercise like swimming or biking
Interventional Pain Management Options
If conservative therapy is not enough, interventional treatments can help reduce pain and restore function without major surgery:
Corticosteroid Injections
Reduce inflammation in joints like the knee, shoulder, or hip
Provide relief that may last weeks to months
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid Injections)
Used in knee osteoarthritis to lubricate joints and ease movement
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Involves injecting concentrated platelets from your own blood into the joint
May help modulate inflammation and support tissue healing
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)
A regenerative option using stem cell–rich marrow
Aims to promote cartilage preservation and healing
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Targets nerves that transmit pain from the joint (e.g., genicular nerve for the knee)
Provides long-lasting relief (6–18 months) without affecting joint structure
When to See a Specialist
You may benefit from arthritis evaluation and treatment if you experience:
Chronic joint pain or stiffness
Swelling that doesn’t resolve
Difficulty performing daily activities
Symptoms worsening despite home treatment
Get Back to Living with Less Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing arthritis. Whether you're dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another inflammatory joint condition, our team offers cutting-edge treatments—from conservative care to advanced interventional options—to help you move better, feel better, and live pain-free.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to begin your personalized arthritis care plan.