Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition that involves inflammation in one or more of your joints. The inflammation leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling that often makes it difficult to move normally. Arthritis can affect any joint in your body but is especially common in the knee.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, including:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this disease, affecting more than 30 million adults in the United States. This type involves degenerative (wear-and-tear) damage to the cartilage tissue that cushions the ends of your bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack the tissue that lines your joints, called the synovium.  

Post-traumatic arthritis

This is a form of osteoarthritis that develops after an injury, like a meniscus tear in the knee or rotator cuff tear in the shoulder. Post-traumatic arthritis is responsible for about 12% of the osteoarthritis cases involving the knee, hip, and ankle.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint are the major symptoms of arthritis. Most of the time, arthritis pain develops gradually and worsens progressively. Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type, location, and severity of your condition, but usually involve a limited range of motion.

Arthritis of the knee may cause problems bending and straightening your knee, while arthritis of the shoulder can make it difficult to raise your arm or scratch your back. You may also hear a clicking or snapping sound when you move these joints.

How is arthritis diagnosed and treated?

First, Dr. Kersten carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. He checks for signs of arthritis, including swelling and limited range of motion. He may also take imaging tests, like an X-ray or MRI scan.

Then, Dr. Kersten works with you to create an individualized treatment plan that best suits your needs. Arthritis treatment usually begins with nonsurgical therapies, including:

• Physical therapy
• Pain-relieving medications
• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss
• Therapeutic injections, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

If your condition is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, Dr. Kersten may recommend surgery. Dr. Kersten is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon who performs the most advanced techniques available, including:

• Superior capsule reconstruction for severe rotator cuff injuries
• IntraOsseous BioPlasty™ for knee arthritis
• Total shoulder replacement
• Reverse total shoulder replacement
• Total knee replacement
• Oxford® Partial Knee replacement

To learn more about your options for arthritis treatment, call the office of Andrew Kersten, MD, or book an appointment online today.