Arthritis Pain Treatment Specialist in Rapid City, SD

Various treatment approaches are used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. The best treatment approach for you will be determined in consultation with a specialist. Some of the most common treatment approaches for arthritis include:

• Medication – Depending on the type of arthritis you have as well as your symptoms and their severity, the doctor may prescribe counterirritants, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Physical therapy – Certain kinds of arthritis can be managed by incorporating physical therapy into the treatment. Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the muscles around joints and improve function and range of motion.
• Surgery – If other approaches are unsuccessful, doctors may suggest surgery to address your arthritis symptoms. Some of the surgical approaches used to treat this condition include joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion.

Arthritis is a painful condition that can cause intense and persistent inflammation in the joint. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or disease. In arthritis, inflammation can cause swelling, redness, and severe pain. Persistent inflammation leads to damage to the cartilage that cushions the joints. 

In the advanced stages of the condition, the cartilage completely wears away and bone endings rub against each other, which is an intensely painful sensation. In addition to the inflammation and joint damage caused by the condition, arthritis can cause the formation of bone spurs. Bone spurs are bony growths that can develop in a joint affected by arthritis. They irritate nearby nerves and make the condition even more painful.

Arthritis can also lead to muscle stiffness and weakness around the affected joint. This makes it even more difficult to move around without pain. Overall, the combination of inflammation, joint damage, bone spurs, and muscle stiffness contributes to the chronic pain experienced by patients with arthritis. If you are in constant discomfort due to arthritis, pain management treatment can help you lead a fulfilling life despite your diagnosis.

Some of the most common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Persistent pain – If you experience chronic pain in one or more of your joints, it could be due to arthritis. In some cases, the pain is constant, while in others, it can be intermittent. 
• Swelling – As arthritis is characterized by inflammation, swelling in the affected joints is common.
• Redness and warmth – Certain types of arthritis can cause red joints that are warm to the touch. This occurs due to inflammation and increased blood flow to the area.
• Stiffness – If you experience joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after a period of inactivity, it could be a sign of arthritis. 
• Decreased range of motion – Arthritis limits the affected joints’ range of motion. This can be a result of pain, stiffness, swelling, or joint damage.
• Joint deformities – In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the condition can result in joint deformities over time. 
• Fatigue and other symptoms – Rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue as well as other symptoms like weight loss or fever.

If the symptoms of your arthritis, such as chronic pain, are beginning to interfere with your daily life, you should see a doctor. With the help of a medical professional, you can learn how to manage your symptoms and prevent the condition from quickly progressing. 

Pain management specialists help patients increase their range of motion. They can also prescribe medication and physical therapy to alleviate painful symptoms such as swelling and stiffness. Receiving treatment as soon as you notice warning signs of arthritis will result in more optimal treatment outcomes.
 
So, if you notice any concerning symptoms, it’s best to book a visit with a doctor promptly for a thorough evaluation. Our experts will assess your joints and create a personalized treatment plan to suit your unique needs, as well as prevent further joint damage. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, and surrounding areas.