Appointments are by request only
Skip to main content

Causes and Treatments for Degenerative Arthritis

Causes and Treatments for Degenerative Arthritis

September is Pain Awareness month in the United States and has special significance for the estimated 32.5 million adult Americans who suffer from painful osteoarthritis.[i]

Sometimes also referred to as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cushioning cartilage that lines the body’s joints breaks down. As it worsens, it can ultimately damage the bones of the joint as well.

Although it often impacts the knees, hips and hands, the pain, stiffness and decreased flexibility caused by osteoarthritis can occur in any of the body’s joints, from the neck and shoulders to the ankles and toes.

Is Osteoarthritis Inevitable?

Although it is true that osteoarthritis develops from wear and tear on the joints as we age, there are other factors that increase the chance of developing the condition. These include:

Although the body’s joints may inevitably get a little “creaky” with age, there are ways to delay and lessen the impact of arthritis.

Advanced Treatments for Osteoarthritis

For patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis, more medical intervention may be required. A pain management specialist can offer a number of treatments that provide long-term pain relief, including:

These interventions are all minimally-invasive, meaning they can be performed on an outpatient basis without the need for major surgery, hospitalization or lengthy rehab. They should be performed by a board certified pain medicine specialist who is experienced in using fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance to deliver the pain-relieving treatment precisely to the affected area for optimum outcomes.

Dr. Ioannis Skaribas is fellowship-trained and double board certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology. He has been performing minimally invasive treatments to address chronic pain for more than 25 years. He is nationally recognized for his expertise in employing the latest advanced treatments such as Vertiflex and LinQ™ to help his patients with complex chronic pain.

[i] https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm

You Might Also Enjoy...

5 Causes of Sciatica and What You Can Do to Prevent it

5 Causes of Sciatica and What You Can Do to Prevent it

If you’re familiar with the tingling, pain, and dysfunction associated with sciatica, you’ll do just about anything to prevent it from persisting or flaring up again. Read on to learn five causes of sciatica and the steps you can take to avoid it.
What Happens During a Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure?

What Happens During a Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that disrupts nerve signals to your brain — and it could offer lasting relief from chronic pain. Learn how it works and what to expect if you’re considering the treatment.