Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis we see in our Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Hampton Roads patients, and it is more likely to occur as you age. You may feel it in any of your joints, but most commonly in your hips, knees or fingers.

According to our pain management doctor in Virginia Beach, risk factors for osteoarthritis include:

  • Being overweight
  • Previously injuring the affected joint
  • Using the affected joint in a repetitive action that puts stress on the joint.

Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Arthritis can occur in men and women of all ages. About 37 million people in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk and throughout Hampton Roads have arthritis of some kind, which is almost 1 out of every 7 people. According to our pain management doctor in Virginia Beach, it can result in inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement.

Symptoms include:

  • Joint pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Reduced ability to move the joint
  • Redness of the skin around a joint
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Warmth around a joint

Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, severity, and how the condition affects your daily activities.  The goals at our nonsurgical pain management clinic are to reduce your pain and discomfort and to prevent further disability.

According to our pain management doctor in Virginia Beach, exercise for arthritis is necessary to maintain healthy joints, relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Your exercise program should be tailored to you as an individual.

You might benefit from water therapy, or transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS).

If  You Live in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Let Our Pain Management Doctor Help You to Relieve Your Pain at our nonsurgical pain management clinic. Together We Strive to Knockout Pain®

Make an appointment to meet with Dr. Bragg to discuss treatment options for osteoarthritis.