Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term for inflammation in a joint. It is not a single disease but a group of conditions that share the same result: pain, stiffness, and reduced movement in the affected joint. The most common form is osteoarthritis, the gradual wear of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones.

As cartilage thins, the joint loses its smooth gliding surface. Bone starts to rub against bone, the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, and the body may form bony spurs at the joint margins. The knees, hips, hands, and spine are most often involved.

Inflammatory types such as rheumatoid arthritis work differently, with the immune system attacking the joint lining. Identifying which type you have matters, because the treatment path is not the same.

Symptoms

• Joint pain that worsens with use and eases with rest
• Stiffness that is worst in the morning or after sitting still
• Swelling, warmth, or tenderness around the joint
• A grinding or grating sensation when the joint moves
• Reduced range of motion and difficulty with everyday tasks
• Joints that feel weak or unstable

How We Treat It

For osteoarthritis, intra-articular injections placed directly into the joint are often the most efficient way to control pain. Steroid injections settle acute inflammation quickly, while hyaluronic acid injections restore lubrication in joints where the natural fluid has thinned, with relief that can last several months.

We pair these procedures with physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint, which takes load off the worn surfaces and helps the benefit last longer. Our aim is to keep you moving comfortably and to delay or avoid more invasive surgery for as long as we can.