Arthritis

Up to 24% of American adults have arthritis, a group of more than 100 diseases that cause chronic joint pain and stiffness. At his practice in Kyle, Floresville, La Vernia, and Gonzales, Texas, fellowship-trained interventional pain management specialist Eric Miller, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, to receive treatment for arthritis, or book your appointment online. 

My joints are stiff and sore. Could it be arthritis?

Yes. Arthritis is an umbrella term for several degenerative conditions that affect the joints. There are dozens of types of arthritis, but Dr. Miller focuses on two in particular:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis causes a breakdown of the cartilage –– a soft, gel-like substance that pads the joints. As the cartilage wears down, it causes your bones to rub against one another, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. It causes your immune system to attack the lining of the joints, resulting in swelling, pain, and mobility problems.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness

As the condition worsens, many people experience mobility problems, including difficulty walking, exercising, and climbing stairs.

When should I see a pain management specialist about arthritis?

Make an appointment with Dr. Miller if you have painful joint swelling that lasts three days or longer or swelling that comes and goes more than three times in a month. That’s particularly true if your symptoms affect your mobility or keep you from routine activities like work and exercise. 

How does an interventional pain management specialist diagnose arthritis?

Dr. Miller reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your affected joints, checking for warmth, redness, and swelling. He gently presses on your joints and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive areas. Then he assesses your joint’s flexibility and range of motion.

Next, Dr. Miller orders several tests, including joint fluid analysis and X-rays. A joint fluid analysis helps determine the type of arthritis you have, while X-rays allow Dr. Miller to check for cartilage loss, bone spurs, and bone damage.

How does interventional pain management treat arthritis?

Dr. Miller treats arthritis using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Depending on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your symptoms, he might suggest:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Counterirritant creams, like menthol or capsaicin
• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser treatments
• Radiofrequency ablation

If your symptoms continue or worsen, you might need surgery. However, minimally invasive therapies often provide lasting relief. 

Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to schedule arthritis treatment, or book your appointment online.