Living with arthritis presents daily challenges, but you do not have to face them alone. An orthopedic doctor specializes in the musculoskeletal system. Since arthritis damages joints over time, management strategies can slow this progression. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and create a tailored plan to address your needs. This partnership helps you maintain function while you manage pain effectively.
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
Start your journey with a comprehensive evaluation of your joint health. Your orthopedic doctor reviews your medical history, and they perform a physical examination to pinpoint areas of pain. X-rays or other imaging tests provide a clear picture of what is happening inside your joints. Sometimes, your doctor recommends blood tests to check for underlying inflammation or other conditions that affect your joints. This diagnostic process identifies the severity of your arthritis and guides future treatment decisions. Your doctor uses various tools to determine if your arthritis is mild, moderate, or advanced and to rule out other causes. Your doctor provides a clear explanation of your condition and outlines the next steps in your care plan. An accurate diagnosis helps treatments target the correct areas, so you experience relief sooner. Make informed decisions about your treatment options, because they lay a clear foundation for ongoing care.
Conservative Treatments for Arthritis
Find relief with non-surgical methods that focus on preserving your joints and reducing pain. If you have mild-to-moderate wrist pain, rest may help. Your doctor may recommend splinting, which stabilizes the joint and limits movement, giving the area time to heal. Use anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling, and your doctor monitors your use to prevent side effects. If discomfort persists, your doctor may suggest prescription medication. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around your joints, providing you with more support. Your therapist teaches gentle stretches, guides strengthening exercises, and shows how to adjust activities to protect joints. Start with simple exercises at home. Join guided sessions to maintain proper form. This way, you learn new techniques for pain relief and joint care.
Advanced Orthopedic Doctor Interventions
If you have severe or persistent wrist pain, your doctor may recommend a steroid injection. Injections are used to quickly reduce inflammation, especially if rest and medication fail. With this treatment, your doctor delivers medication directly to the source, relieving swelling and discomfort for several weeks. Some people report improvements in comfort, and some notice better wrist movement after treatment. Your doctor may also suggest platelet-rich plasma therapy. PRP uses your own blood to encourage natural tissue repair.
Your doctor draws blood, processes it to concentrate platelets, and then injects the concentrated platelets into the affected joint. Your doctor explains both the potential benefits and any risks so you understand what to expect. Some people with arthritis use these treatments to bridge the gap between medication and surgery. Other methods may not provide relief, so advanced interventions help restore your mobility.
Take the Next Step
Managing arthritis is a long-term process, but medical support makes a difference. An orthopedic doctor offers expertise in joint health and provides access to a wide range of treatments. Schedule a consultation today or ask your primary care provider for a referral. Do not wait until your symptoms become unmanageable. Since your joint health impacts your overall well-being, professional care helps you maintain an active life.
