Arthritis Treatment and Care

Geriatrics: Specialized Care for Senior Health & Aging

Geriatrics addresses the health needs of older adults, focusing on frailty, dementia, falls, and chronic disease management.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Overview of Treatment and Management

Arthritis Treatment is a lifelong process focused on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and slowing the progression of joint damage. Since there is no cure for most forms of arthritis, the goal is to manage the disease effectively. This allows the patient to maintain mobility and a high quality of life.

Effective Arthritis Management requires a team effort. This team includes rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists. The plan is always customized based on the specific type of arthritis and its severity. Early and aggressive treatment is essential for preserving joint function.

Icon LIV Hospital

Will I Need a Treatment?

GERIATRICS
  • The answer to “Will I need a treatment for my Arthritis?” is nearly always yes. All forms of arthritis require management, even the mildest cases, to prevent progression and reduce pain. Treatment methods range widely depending on the type of arthritis you have.

    For degenerative arthritis (Osteoarthritis), treatment focuses on pain relief and protecting the joint. For inflammatory arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis), treatment must be aggressive to stop the immune system from causing irreversible damage to the joint lining and bone.

Icon 1 LIV Hospital

Medical Treatment Options

GERIATRICS

Medications are the cornerstone of Arthritis Treatment. They are used to control inflammation, reduce pain, and slow the disease’s progression. The specific drug choice depends on whether the arthritis is inflammatory or degenerative.

Disease-Modifying Drugs 

Used primarily for inflammatory types like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). These drugs work to suppress the overactive immune system.

  • DMARDs (Conventional): Drugs like Methotrexate alter the disease course by calming the immune response. They are often the first line of treatment.
  • Biologics: These advanced drugs target specific molecules in the immune system. They are highly effective for severe inflammatory arthritis when conventional DMARDs fail.

Pain and Inflammation Relief 

These medications manage the day-to-day symptoms of all arthritis types, including Osteoarthritis. They are often taken as needed to reduce discomfort.

  • NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like Ibuprofen or Naproxen) reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroids: Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs given orally or through direct injection into a severely painful joint (intra-articular injection).

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures are crucial for managing acute symptoms and restoring function without major surgery. These procedures are highly targeted for immediate relief.

  • Joint Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid (a lubricant) can be injected directly into the joint space. This provides temporary, strong relief from pain and inflammation.
  • Joint Fluid Aspiration: Excess fluid is removed from a swollen joint using a needle. This relieves pressure and allows the fluid to be tested for infection or crystals.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: A specialized technique used for chronic, severe back or knee pain. It targets nerves that transmit pain signals, blocking them to provide long-lasting relief.

Surgical Interventions (If Applicable)

Surgery is reserved for cases where joint damage is severe and causing debilitating pain or loss of function. Surgical interventions are a last resort after medical treatments have failed.

Joint Replacement 

Total joint replacement surgery is the most common surgical intervention. It is highly effective for advanced Osteoarthritis.

  • Procedure: The damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic.
  • Usage: Commonly performed on the hip (total hip arthroplasty) and the knee (total knee arthroplasty) to restore pain-free movement.

Joint Repair 

Less extensive surgeries are performed to repair damaged tissue or stabilize a joint.

  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon uses a small camera to smooth rough cartilage or remove bone fragments.
  • Synovectomy: Removal of the inflamed joint lining (synovium) in cases of chronic inflammatory arthritis that have not responded to medication.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Programs

  • Rehabilitation is a mandatory part of Arthritis Management, both before and after surgery. Programs focus on increasing strength and flexibility around the joints.

    • Physical Therapy (PT): Therapists design specific exercises to improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, which helps stabilize it.
    • Occupational Therapy (OT): Therapists help patients adapt daily tasks (like opening jars or dressing) using techniques or specialized assistive devices to protect damaged joints.
    Topical Therapy: The patient is taught to use non-invasive measures like heat/cold therapy. Heat relaxes stiff muscles, and cold reduces active inflammation and swelling.

Treatment and Management Time

  • How long does Arthritis treatment take? Treatment is continuous and lifelong for chronic conditions.

    • Inflammatory Arthritis: Requires continuous medication for decades to prevent joint damage.
    • Joint Replacement: The hospital stay is usually 1-3 days, followed by 3-6 months of intensive physical therapy to restore function.

Why Choose LIV Hospital

  • LIV Hospital provides specialized, integrated Arthritis Treatment, ensuring comprehensive care from diagnosis through surgical recovery. Our focus is on restoring mobility with minimal pain.

    • Integrated Rheumatology and Orthopedics: Our specialists work side-by-side to coordinate care. The rheumatologist manages the inflammation, and the orthopedic surgeon performs replacement only when medically necessary.
    • Advanced Surgical Technology: We use robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, which allows for extremely precise placement of artificial joints, improving longevity and functional success rates.
    • Dedicated Rehabilitation: Our comprehensive rehabilitation team provides intensive pre- and post-operative physical therapy, ensuring the best possible Arthritis recovery after replacement surgery.

Assistive Devices and Support

  • Using assistive devices is a simple form of Arthritis Management that reduces strain on damaged joints and prevents further deterioration. These devices help maintain independence.

    • Mobility Aids: Canes, walkers, and specialized crutches reduce weight and pressure on painful hips or knees.
    • Daily Living Tools: Specialized reachers, grab bars, and electric jar openers help protect small joints in the hands from excessive force.

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the treatment options for Arthritis?

Options include anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs, biologics), physical therapy, and, for severe damage, joint replacement surgery.

Treatment is continuous and lifelong for chronic forms. Active physical therapy after a joint replacement lasts 3 to 6 months.

Yes, all forms of arthritis require active management, whether through medication, exercise, or surgical intervention, to control pain and prevent joint destruction.

Medications include NSAIDs for pain, corticosteroids for acute flares, and advanced biologics or DMARDs to stop the disease progression in inflammatory types.

Expect a continuous cycle of medication management, regular monitoring of joint damage via X-ray, and a commitment to prescribed physical therapy exercises.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

Contact Us to Get Information!

Contact
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)