Osteoarthritis Treatment in Panama City, FL

Osteoarthritis (OA) is also called “wear and tear” arthritis. It is the most common type of arthritis in adults. It is also the top cause of disability in the United States. More than 27 million people in this country have it. We offer osteoarthritis treatment in Panama City to ease pain and keep you moving.

By age 65, about 8 in 10 Americans show signs of knee OA on an X-ray. About 6 in 10 have pain from it.

Where OA Strikes and Why

OA most often affects the joints that carry your weight. These are the hips, knees and ankles. It can also affect the hands, spine and feet. OA happens when the cartilage that lines the joint wears away. Without this lining, the joint loses its cushion. As a result, it hurts when you move. Often, extra bone grows along the edge of the joint. These growths are called bone spurs, and they show up on X-rays. They are clear signs that the joint is wearing down.

Body fat also plays a part. Many studies show that losing weight and body fat eases OA pain. If weight is a factor for you, your rheumatologist may talk with you about it at your visit.

Common Symptoms of OA

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Joint swelling
• A weak grip and trouble holding things
• Knee pain or swelling
• Back pain and stiffness
• Bony bumps on the finger joints
• Pain that is worse with activity

Osteoarthritis Treatment Options

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory pills)
• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise
• Diet changes
• Steroid shots in the joint
• Hyaluronic acid shots in the joint
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory creams
• Joint replacement

Why We Use Ultrasound for Joint Shots

When simple steps don’t help, the next step is often a shot of steroid or hyaluronic acid into the joint. We use ultrasound to watch the needle enter the joint. That way, the shot hurts less. It also puts the medicine in the right spot, so it works better. Make sure your rheumatologist or bone doctor uses ultrasound for any joint shot.