Understanding and Managing Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we understand how arthritis and osteoarthritis can greatly impact your daily life. Whether you're dealing with joint pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, our expert team offers personalized, minimally invasive treatments to help reduce pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life.

Arthritis is a broad term that describes inflammation of the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced motion.

While osteoarthritis is associated with aging, it can also result from joint injuries, repetitive motion, and genetic factors.

Several factors contribute to the development of arthritis and osteoarthritis:

• Age-related wear and tear
• Joint injuries (such as fractures or ligament tears)
• Obesity (increased stress on weight-bearing joints)
• Genetics (family history of arthritis)
• Repetitive stress from certain occupations or sports
• Inflammation from autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

Over time, the loss of cartilage leads to bone rubbing on bone, causing pain and joint deformities.

Common risk factors for arthritis and osteoarthritis include:

• Age over 50
• Family history of arthritis or autoimmune disease
• Gender (women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis)
• Obesity
• Previous joint injuries
• Repetitive strain on joints (such as in certain jobs or sports)

Recognizing risk factors early can help delay the onset or progression of joint damage.

Symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis may include:

• Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
• Stiffness, especially after waking up or sitting for long periods
• Swelling and tenderness around the joints
• Loss of flexibility and reduced range of motion
• Grating sensation or bone spurs (visible on X-ray in advanced cases)
• Joint deformities in severe osteoarthritis

Symptoms can range from mild to disabling and tend to worsen over time without appropriate management.

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, diagnosis begins with:

• Detailed medical history and symptom review
• Physical examination to assess joint swelling, tenderness, and mobility
• Imaging studies:
  • X-rays to reveal joint space narrowing, bone changes, or bone spurs
  • MRI scans to evaluate cartilage and soft tissue damage
• Blood tests to rule out other forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or gout

Accurate diagnosis is essential for designing the most effective treatment plan.

Most patients with arthritis or osteoarthritis can manage symptoms successfully with non-surgical therapies:

Medications:

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation
• Acetaminophen for pain relief
• Topical analgesics applied directly to the joint

Physical therapy:

• Strengthening muscles around the joints for better support
• Stretching to maintain flexibility and mobility

Weight loss:

• Reducing pressure on weight-bearing joints

Lifestyle modifications:

• Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and yoga

Consistent non-surgical care can dramatically slow the progression of arthritis and improve quality of life.

For patients needing more targeted relief, Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah offers advanced injection therapies:

• Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation:
  • Provide longer-lasting relief by targeting sensory nerves transmitting pain
• Corticosteroid injections:
  • Provide powerful, localized anti-inflammatory effects to reduce joint pain and swelling
• Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid injections):
  • Especially for knee osteoarthritis, improving lubrication and cushioning in the joint
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy:
  • Uses the body's natural healing factors to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation

Injection therapies can be highly effective for pain management without the need for surgery.

Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail, and severe joint damage causes disabling pain or loss of function. Surgical options include:

• Arthroscopy:
  • Minimally invasive cleaning of joint surfaces
• Joint realignment (osteotomy):
  • Shifting weight away from the damaged part of the joint
• Joint replacement surgery:
  • Replacing a severely damaged joint (such as a knee or hip) with an artificial implant

Our goal at Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah is always to exhaust non-surgical treatments first before recommending surgery.

Patients choose Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah for arthritis and osteoarthritis care because we offer:

• Board-certified pain and musculoskeletal specialists
• Advanced diagnostic imaging and testing
• Comprehensive, non-surgical treatment options
• Minimally invasive injection therapies for faster recovery
• Personalized care plans tailored to each patient

We believe in helping you manage your arthritis and regain your mobility, independence, and comfort.