Wear · Inflammation · Stiffness
Arthritis
Arthritis is not one condition. Degenerative wear and inflammatory disease behave differently, progress differently and are treated differently — and the joint involved changes the options. Identifying which one you have is the first step.
(623) 264-3300Two Kinds of Arthritis, Two Different Problems
Osteoarthritis (Wear)
Cartilage thins with age and use. Symptoms develop gradually and are usually tied to a specific joint that has been loaded for decades.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Arises from an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. It can begin earlier, affect many joints, and is often managed with a specialist.
The distinction matters because the treatment targets are different — one addresses the joint surface, the other addresses the disease.
By Joint
Arthritis We Treat
The same disease behaves differently in each joint. Select the area that matches your symptoms to see how it is evaluated and treated.
Thumb Base / CMC Arthritis
Arthritis at the base of the thumb that makes grasping and pinching painful — the most common arthritis of the hand.
Learn moreHandFinger Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis causing pain, swelling and deformity in the finger joints.
Learn moreWristWrist Arthritis
Joint wear in the wrist, including SLAC arthritis that develops years after a ligament injury.
Learn moreShoulderShoulder Arthritis
Cartilage loss in the ball-and-socket joint causing aching, stiffness and progressive loss of reach.
Learn moreElbowElbow Arthritis
Arthritis of the elbow, which often shows up as stiffness and an inability to fully straighten the arm.
Learn moreInflammatoryInflammatory Arthritis
Joint inflammation arising from an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, often managed with a specialist.
Learn moreTreatment
How Arthritis Is Treated
Arthritis is managed in steps. Most people never need the last one — but it is available when the joint can no longer be preserved.
Activity & Symptom Management
Over-the-counter medications, activity modification, splinting and hand therapy to reduce load on the joint.
Injections
Cortisone injections reduce joint inflammation and can provide meaningful relief, though the effect is temporary.
Disease Management
When arthritis is inflammatory, a specialist such as a rheumatologist may prescribe medications that change the course of the disease.
Joint Replacement or Fusion
For advanced arthritis, both treatments aim to reduce pain. Joint replacement surgery allows for some preservation of joint motion, while fusion involves surgically stopping joint movement.
Related Areas
Arthritis treatment runs from conservative care through to joint reconstruction.
The Decision Is Individual
Surgery is considered when non-operative treatment no longer controls the pain or the joint no longer works. That threshold is different for every patient.
Stiff, Aching Joints Deserve a Plan
Establishing which type of arthritis you have — and how far it has progressed — determines what will actually help.