What is arthritis?
Arthritis means inflammation of a joint, and it's one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness. The most frequent type is osteoarthritis — a "wear and tear" condition in which the smooth cartilage that cushions a joint gradually breaks down, letting the bones rub together. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and it tends to develop slowly over years.
Symptoms of arthritis
- Joint pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest.
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting.
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint.
- Reduced range of motion and, sometimes, a grinding or catching sensation.
What causes it?
Osteoarthritis risk increases with age, prior joint injury, repetitive stress, family history, and excess body weight (which adds load to weight-bearing joints). Identifying which joints are affected — and how badly — guides the right treatment.
How we treat arthritis
The great majority of arthritis is managed without surgery. Our goal is to relieve pain and keep you moving:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support and protect the joint.
- Activity modification and weight management to reduce stress on the joint.
- Medications to control pain and inflammation.
- Joint injections to reduce pain and improve function.
- Joint replacement — such as knee, hip, or shoulder replacement — when a joint is severely damaged and other treatments no longer provide relief.
Request an appointment or call (717) 358-0800 to have your joint pain evaluated by our orthopedic team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It develops as the cartilage that cushions a joint gradually wears down, causing the bones to rub together. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced motion, most often in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness (often worse in the morning or after rest), swelling, reduced range of motion, and sometimes a grinding sensation. Symptoms tend to develop gradually and can worsen with activity.
How is arthritis treated?
Most arthritis is managed without surgery using physical therapy, activity modification, weight management, medications, and joint injections. When a joint is severely damaged and pain limits daily life, joint replacement may be considered.
When should I see an orthopedic specialist for joint pain?
See a specialist if joint pain or stiffness limits your daily activities, doesn't improve with rest and over-the-counter measures, or is getting worse over time. Call Argires Specialty Group at (717) 358-0800 to schedule an evaluation in Lancaster, PA.
Don't let joint pain slow you down
Our orthopedic team will build a plan to manage your arthritis and keep you active. Schedule a consultation today.
Request an Appointment Call (717) 358-0800