About one-quarter of American adults have arthritis, so if you’re struggling with stubborn pain and stiffness, you’re not alone. At Urgent Orthopaedic Care, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Vlad Gendelman, MD, QME, AME, FAAOS, has extensive experience with all aspects of arthritis management. After your diagnosis, Dr. Gendelman takes the time to explain all the arthritis treatment options that can help you reclaim your mobility and live without pain. Call either of the offices in the Echo Park and North Hollywood areas of Los Angeles, California, or book your appointment online now.

Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a large family of diseases that damage your joints. The particular type of joint damage varies with the type of arthritis, and the extent of the damage can vary by individual.

Of the more than 100 forms of the disease, osteoarthritis is by far the most common. It affects more than 32.5 million Americans. 

For most people, osteoarthritis develops with age, as wear-and-tear destroys the cushioning cartilage covering your bones. This allows bones to rub together, leading to serious pain and stiffness. 

Osteoarthritis can also affect other parts of your joint, including the joint lining and even the joint’s connective tissues. Over time, osteoarthritis can cause such severe damage that it may lead to loss of mobility.

Other forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that destroys the joint lining, and psoriatic arthritis, another autoimmune disease that occurs in some people with the skin disease psoriasis. 

What are common arthritis symptoms?

The symptoms of arthritis depend on the type. The most common osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Joint pain or aching
• Joint swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Decreased mobility
• Crepitus, a popping sound or sensation with joint movement

Osteoarthritis usually occurs in weight-bearing joints, including the hips and knees. It can also affect the lower back, neck, and smaller joints like your hands. 

Osteoarthritis often begins in one joint. For example, it’s common to have hip pain on just one side of your body with osteoarthritis. Symptoms usually develop gradually and increase over the years. For this reason, your initial treatment may differ from your treatment in 10-20 years.

How is arthritis treated?

At Urgent Orthopaedic Care, Dr. Gendelman starts with conservative arthritis treatments initially. This can include lifestyle changes, physical rehab, medication, and steroid injections as well as nonsurgical pain relief treatments like Multiwave Locked System (MLS®) laser therapy. 

MLS laser therapy is a cutting-edge, FDA-cleared treatment with a proven history of successful pain relief. The laser uses specific light wavelengths with anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and analgesic (pain relief) effects. 

Because arthritis typically causes inflammation, swelling, and pain, this laser system can be a highly effective solution for rapid noninvasive symptom relief. 

Should you need treatment beyond conservative care, Dr. Gendelman explains all options to you, including benefits and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision. 

Dr. Gendelman always strives to help you avoid surgery, but late-stage arthritis may cause such severe pain, stiffness, and other issues that the best option may be joint replacement. 

Dr. Gendelman is a highly experienced surgeon who performs joint replacement surgery using the most advanced techniques. 

Arthritis doesn’t need to keep you from living and loving life. Call Urgent Orthopaedic Care or click on the provided booking tool for help now.