Living with arthritis or chronic joint pain can significantly impact your daily life, from simple tasks like climbing stairs to enjoying your favorite activities. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of joint conditions, helping patients find relief, restore mobility, and get back to doing what they love. Whether you’re dealing with an old injury or newly developing discomfort, we’re here to support you with advanced care and a personalized treatment plan.
What is Arthritis Pain and Joint Pain?
Arthritis isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. It includes a variety of joint disorders that cause pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced range of motion. It can affect people of all ages and can impact any joint in the body. Joint pain may also result from injury, overuse, or age-related wear and tear. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we understand the complex nature of these conditions and offer both surgical and non-surgical solutions tailored to your needs.
How Do You Diagnose Arthritis?
Diagnosing arthritis begins with a review of your symptoms, overall health, and family history, followed by an examination of the affected joints. Your provider may assess tenderness, swelling, and movement, then recommend imaging or blood tests to help distinguish between types of arthritis and rule out many conditions with similar symptoms. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common types; with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining.
Arthritis Impacts
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability and can affect one or more joints, making daily activities such as walking, gripping, or getting dressed more difficult. Depending on the condition, it may damage cartilage, connective tissues, and other connective tissues surrounding or supporting the joints. There are many forms of arthritis, and their effects vary based on the joints involved and the severity of the disease.
Arthritis Symptoms
The most common signs of arthritis include pain and stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and a decreased range of motion. These common signs may develop gradually or occur in episodes, and some people notice symptoms worsening after activity or periods of rest. Because many types of arthritis share similar symptoms, an evaluation can help identify the cause and guide care.
How to Manage Arthritis
Staying physically active with appropriate low-impact exercise, following a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can support joint function and help manage symptoms. Risk factors for developing arthritis vary by condition and may include age, previous joint injuries, repetitive stress, and inherited traits. Your provider can recommend a personalized plan that balances movement, rest, and ongoing symptom management.
Arthritis and Joint Pain Care in Charlottesville
At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we take a comprehensive approach to arthritis and joint pain treatment. Our team combines diagnostic expertise with state-of-the-art therapies to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further joint damage. Below are some of the most common arthritis-related and joint pain issues we treat:
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones wears down over time. It typically affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, causing stiffness and discomfort that worsens with activity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This autoimmune condition causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential joint deformity. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to slow its progression.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
This form of arthritis develops after a joint injury such as a fracture, ligament tear, or dislocation. Damage to the joint can lead to long-term inflammation and degeneration, especially if not properly treated initially.
Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It can cause sudden, intense pain and swelling, and may become chronic if untreated.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your joints become inflamed. Common areas include the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. It can cause localized pain and limited motion.
Tendonitis
This condition involves inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often due to repetitive motion or overuse. Tendonitis can affect any joint and is common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.
Joint Instability
Joint instability happens when the supporting structures of a joint, such as ligaments, become weakened or injured. It can lead to frequent dislocations, a feeling of looseness, and chronic pain, especially in the knees and shoulders.
Hip and Knee Pain
These weight-bearing joints are especially susceptible to wear and tear. Whether your pain is due to arthritis, injury, or overuse, we offer targeted treatments including physical therapy, injections, and joint replacement surgery when necessary.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain may stem from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, or bursitis. Our orthopedic team uses precise diagnostics and minimally invasive techniques to restore comfort and function.
How to Manage Pain from Arthritis
To treat arthritis, your provider may recommend a combination of medication, physical therapy, supportive devices, and changes to activities that strain your joints. Your treatment depends on the diagnosis, symptom severity, and individual needs, with treatment options ranging from conservative care to surgery. If other treatments do not provide adequate relief, procedures such as joint fusion may be considered for certain joints.
Request an Appointment Today
If joint pain or arthritis is affecting your quality of life, don’t wait to get the care you need. The team at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center in Charlottesville, VA, is here to help you find lasting relief and get back to moving with confidence. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward better joint health.
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Complimentary Movement Screenings
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert physical therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
View DetailsWhat Our Patients Say
Dr. Nielsen and his team are great! I’m relatively new to the Charlottesville area and have been very frustrated by the long wait times for medical appointments and then the brevity of those appointments once they finally arrive. Dr. Nielsen and his team are the opposite. They go above and beyond spending more than ample time with you, clearly explaining their diagnosis and answering any questions you may have. I highly recommend them.
My mom recommended Dr. Nielsen as she had a very good experience with this office and I am so glad she did. I have been seeing Dr. Nielsen and Natalie Smith for quite a few years now and have always found them to be very attentive and not rushed. The office and nursing staff (Hi Dakota!) are friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center!!
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
