Arthritis

Arthritis is no longer a condition reserved for elderly populations. At Liberty Pain Associates in Flower Mound and Fort Worth, Texas, pain management specialist Sathya Bhandari, MD, regularly treats chronic joint pain in patients as young as 30. Dr. Bhandari specializes in traditional pain management techniques and advanced interventional treatments to help patients of all ages find relief from arthritis pain. Call the nearest office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic pain condition that primarily causes swollen joints. Most arthritis is degenerative, meaning it worsens over time. Early intervention can help slow its progression and protect your joint health. 

At Liberty Pain Associates, Dr. Bhandari customizes your arthritis care plan to suit your treatment goals and improve your condition.

What are the different types of arthritis?

There are many different types of arthritis, including:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of joint pain, damages the flexible cartilage at the end of your bones. Cartilage prevents friction between connecting bones. When it breaks down, the joints can stiffen and become inflamed.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type. It causes swelling in the synovial lining inside the joints. Your joints may feel stiff, tender, and warm to the touch.

Gout

Gout is a unique type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals collect in a single joint. While it usually affects the big toe, many people also develop gout in their knees.

You can have more than one type of arthritis. Dr. Bhandari performs comprehensive testing to determine the appropriate treatment for your type.

What are the signs and symptoms of arthritis?

Understanding the signs and symptoms of arthritis can help you know when to seek professional medical help. 

When you have arthritis, you may experience:

• Stiff joints
• Limited range of motion
• Low mobility
• Red skin that feels warm to the touch
• Pain that feels worse in the morning

Without treatment, arthritis can affect your movement as you age. Weight loss, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may help improve your joint function with early arthritis.

What are the treatments for arthritis?

Dr. Bhandari offers several effective arthritis treatments found in traditional orthopedic offices as well as expanded interventional options to treat patients with persistent joint pain after surgery and those who are too young or sick for surgery. Treatments include:

Radiofrequency COOLIEF*

COOLIEF* is an FDA-cleared radiofrequency procedure that targets faulty nerve signals that cause chronic spine, neck, shoulder, hip, or knee pain.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation heats and destroys damaged nerve endings. If arthritis compresses the nerves in your knees, back, or hips, radiofrequency ablation can help minimize your pain.

Stimwave™ Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)

PNS is the latest treatment to essentially stun the nerves around a painful area in order to remove the painful sensation. It’s a perfect treatment option for patients who are active and want an easy, medication-free manner to get pain relief.

Joint injections

Corticosteroid joint injections deliver anti-inflammatory medications and pain-relieving anesthetics directly into your damaged joint.

Restorative medicine

Dr. Bhandari is a restorative medicine specialist who uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate to accelerate cartilage healing and repair damaged tissues.

Call Liberty Pain Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about arthritis treatment options.