Osteoarthritis

Don’t suffer from stiff, painful, swollen joints due to osteoarthritis when effective holistic treatments are available at Thriverock Active Healthcare in Las Vegas, Nevada. Experienced osteopathic physician Lonnie Empey, DO, FACP, and his staff diagnose and treat arthritis pain to restore musculoskeletal health and quality of life. Call the office to learn more, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects many people, especially older adults. It appears when the protective cartilage at the ends of your bones wears down over time and causes swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. 

Osteoarthritis often affects the spine, hips, knees, and hands. Seeking medical treatment is the best way to manage bothersome symptoms and prevent worsening joint damage.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

The hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Joint stiffness
• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Limited range of motion
• Reduced mobility
• Tenderness
• Warmth
• Redness
• Loss of flexibility
• Popping or crackling sounds
• Bone spurs (hard lumps)
• Sleep disturbances
• Joint disfigurement 

These and other osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly over time and worsen when left untreated.

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

The common causes and risk factors for osteoarthritis include:

• Family history of osteoarthritis
• Being female
• Older age
• Carrying excess body weight
• Repeated joint stress
• Previous joint injuries
• Diabetes
• Other metabolic diseases
• Bone deformities

You might have multiple arthritis risk factors. Joint pain may also indicate rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, or other forms of arthritis. 

How does my provider diagnose osteoarthritis?

To diagnose osteoarthritis and effectively treat it, Dr. Empey checks your vital signs, weighs you, and completes a physical exam, paying close attention to your joints. He checks your joints for signs of tenderness, swelling, stiffness, warmth, and redness.

Dr. Empey may recommend blood tests, joint fluid analysis, X-rays, an MRI, DNA testing, or additional tests to develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

How is osteoarthritis treated?

The standard and osteopathic treatments available for osteoarthritis include:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection
• Other injections
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Osteopathic manipulation 
• Electrical nerve stimulation
• Low-impact exercises
• Medically supervised weight loss
• Movement therapies
• Nutrition plans
• Heat or cold packs
• Bracing
• Shoe inserts
• Dietary supplements
• Acupuncture
• Medications

You may need more than one osteoarthritis treatment to reap the most benefits, eliminate pain, and restore musculoskeletal functioning. Dr. Empey customizes each treatment based on your personalized needs, and you always have a voice in your care.

He follows up with you periodically to ensure your treatment is effective and can alter the original plan if needed. In severe cases, Dr. Empey refers you to a specialist for surgery.

He always recommends conservative, holistic treatments before medications or surgery.

To find relief from osteoarthritis pain and reduce further joint deterioration, schedule an appointment at Thriverock Active Healthcare by phone or online today.