Arthritis Pain Treatment in St. Clair Shores, MI
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation and wear in a joint that causes pain, stiffness and swelling, most often in the knees, hips, hands, shoulders and spine. At Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, we ease arthritis pain without surgery using ultrasound-guided joint injections, MLS laser, regenerative medicine and physical therapy.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms often build slowly over months or years:
- Joint pain that gets worse with activity and eases with rest
- Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling, warmth or tenderness around the joint
- Grinding, clicking or a feeling of bone rubbing on bone
- Less range of motion and trouble with daily tasks like stairs or opening jars
In rheumatoid arthritis, flares often affect the same joints on both sides of the body and come with fatigue and morning stiffness lasting more than an hour.
Types and Causes of Arthritis
There are many kinds of arthritis. The ones we see most are:
- Osteoarthritis: the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down over time. Age, past injuries, extra weight and repetitive work raise the risk.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types: the immune system attacks the joint lining. These are usually managed together with a rheumatologist.
- Facet joint arthritis: arthritis in the small joints of the spine, a common source of back and neck pain.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: arthritis that develops years after a fracture or ligament injury.
X-rays and an exam usually confirm osteoarthritis. When the type is unclear, bloodwork or a referral to a rheumatologist helps. Knowing the type matters, because inflammatory arthritis needs medicine that controls the immune system as well as pain care.
How We Treat Arthritis Pain
Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine and has more than 25 years of experience treating pain. Our goal is to reduce pain, keep you moving and delay or avoid joint surgery where that is realistic. Options include:
Ultrasound-Guided Joint Injections
Intra-articular injections place anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint. For knee osteoarthritis we also offer knee joint fluid therapy (viscosupplementation), given once a week for five weeks. See our interventional procedures.
MLS Laser Therapy
MLS laser therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive way to reduce joint pain and inflammation.
PRP and Prolotherapy
Our regenerative medicine treatments use your own platelets or a dextrose solution to support repair in worn joints, tendons and ligaments.
Physical Therapy
Strengthening the muscles around a joint takes load off it. Our physical therapy team designs joint-friendly exercise for you.
Acupuncture and Pain Management
Medical acupuncture, part of our holistic pain relief care, and an overall pain management plan help you manage flare-ups.
Massage Therapy
Gentle medical massage therapy from our certified massage therapist can ease the muscle tension and stiffness that build up around painful joints.
When to See a Doctor for Arthritis
Book a visit if joint pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits walking, sleep or work, or no longer responds to over-the-counter medicine. Early care can help you stay active longer.
See a doctor quickly for a joint that suddenly becomes hot, red and very swollen, especially with a fever, since that can be a sign of infection or gout.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis
What are some home remedies for an arthritis flare-up?
Rest the joint for a day or two, use ice for swelling or heat for stiffness, keep moving gently and take your usual medicine as directed. A flare that lasts more than a week deserves a visit.
What are the symptoms of a rheumatoid arthritis flare?
An RA flare often brings swollen, warm, painful joints, long morning stiffness and tiredness. Contact your rheumatologist, and we can help with the pain side of care.
What helps joint pain without surgery?
Physical therapy, weight management, joint injections, MLS laser and regenerative treatments such as PRP all help many people with arthritis.
What self-care tips help manage arthritis?
Stay active with low-impact exercise, keep a healthy weight, protect your joints with good technique and supportive shoes, and get enough sleep. Small daily habits make a real difference.
Do you accept insurance?
Advanced Physical Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. Some treatments, such as regenerative injections, may be self-pay, and our staff will go over coverage and costs with you before you start.
Get Help for Arthritis Pain in St. Clair Shores
Book a visit with Advanced Physical Medicine at 24345 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, or call us at (586) 563-3300. We will find out what is behind your arthritis pain and talk you through every option before anything is decided.
