FAQ: Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. Over time, it can make everyday movement more difficult and may affect the knees, hips, hands, shoulders, spine, or other areas depending on the type of arthritis and how advanced it is.

Many people with arthritis notice joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, or reduced range of motion. Some symptoms are mild at first and gradually become more noticeable, especially in the morning, after periods of rest, or with regular activity.

You should schedule an evaluation if joint pain is lasting, getting worse, or interfering with walking, exercise, sleep, or normal daily tasks. Ongoing stiffness or swelling should not be ignored, especially if home care is no longer providing enough relief.

There are several forms of arthritis, and the right diagnosis depends on your symptoms, medical history, exam findings, and sometimes imaging or other testing. Common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout, and each one can affect the joints differently.

Not always. While age can increase the risk of arthritis, it is not the only factor. Previous injuries, repetitive stress, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, genetics, and overall joint health can also play a role in when arthritis develops and how severe it becomes.

Yes. Some people have arthritis symptoms that flare up at certain times and improve at others. Activity level, inflammation, weather changes, and the specific type of arthritis can all affect how often pain appears and how intense it feels.

Arthritis commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, but it can also affect the hands, shoulders, feet, and spine. The location often depends on the type of arthritis and whether the joint has gone through wear and tear over time.

An arthritis diagnosis usually starts with a review of your symptoms, a physical exam, and a discussion of how long the pain has been present. Depending on your case, Dr. Philip may recommend imaging or further evaluation to better understand joint changes and guide treatment.

Treatment depends on the type of arthritis, the severity of your symptoms, and the joint involved. Many patients benefit from a personalized approach that may include conservative care, guided procedures, and other treatment options focused on reducing pain and improving movement.

Joint injections may help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in certain arthritic joints. For some patients, this can make movement easier and help them stay more active while managing symptoms more comfortably.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that targets specific nerves responsible for sending pain signals from an affected joint. It may be recommended for some patients when arthritis pain has become more persistent and other treatments have not provided enough relief.

Viscosupplementation is an injection treatment often used for arthritic knee pain. It is designed to improve joint lubrication and may help reduce stiffness and discomfort, especially for patients with osteoarthritis who are looking for non-surgical treatment options.

Yes. Many people with arthritis can manage their symptoms without surgery, especially when treatment begins early. Non-surgical care may help relieve pain, support mobility, and improve quality of life while delaying or avoiding more invasive treatment.

Arthritis can progress over time, and delaying care may allow pain, stiffness, and limited movement to become more difficult to manage. Early evaluation often makes it easier to create a plan that addresses symptoms before they affect more of your daily routine.

If you are searching for arthritis treatment in Lake Geneva, WI, Dr. Philip and his team at Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine offer care focused on identifying the source of your joint pain and recommending treatment options that fit your needs and goals.