Arthritis can affect nearly every part of the human body, from your hands to your feet with over 100 different diagnosable types, causing unwanted pain and discomfort in everyday life. Most commonly treating patients suffering from arthritis of the knees and back, Dr. Greenberg understands how the condition can severely impact the body which is why he creates an individualized treatment plan based on each patient’s unique symptoms and long-term health goals. Continuing reading to learn more about arthritis of the knees and back during National Arthritis Month (May).
What Exactly is Arthritis?
As mentioned, there are a variety of different types of arthritis as well as areas that can affect the body. Looking at the condition as a whole, arthritis is a combination of wear and tear of the joints paired with a series of biochemical reactions which overtime can lead to pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the affected joints.
When referring to arthritis of the knee, it is most often the wearing of the knee’s main joint, however, the kneecap itself can tear, especially when it comes to patients diagnosed with pelvic tilt. Back arthritis, on the other hand, is the degeneration of the spinal joints, which can strangle the nerves when it becomes severe and is known as spinal stenosis. As you can tell, although arthritis may be a catch all word for the condition at a glance, the individual body parts affected vary in terms of symptoms, treatment, and more which is why a personalized evaluation and treatment plan is key to recovery.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis of the Knees & Back
Before we can discuss treatment plans and options for arthritis of the knees and back, it’s important for patients to understand and take note of when their body may be experiencing symptoms of arthritis in the knees and back.
Symptoms in the knee(s) may include:
- Poor range of motion
- Swelling and tenderness
- Buckling and/or locking of the knee(s)
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Difficulty going up and down stairs
Symptoms in the back may include:
- Stiffness and soreness of the back and sacrum
- Radiating pain down the leg(s)
- Spinal stenosis typically produces a strangulating tightness down the leg when trying to walk or stand
- The feeling of pinching, tingling, or numbness in a nerve or the spinal cord
- Loss of flexibility of the joint
While these conditions will vary from patient to patient, they each lead to pain, discomfort, and can affect the quality of a patient’s life tremendously.
Treating Arthritis of the Knees & Back
Although a variety of surgeries, pain medication, and physical therapy can help to combat the effects of arthritis, Dr. Greenberg and his team make it their mission to correct the issue versus aiming for short-term relief.
When it comes to the examination process, Dr. Greenberg’s unique diagnostic approach, deemed the Greenberg Method, not only looks into the area of damage and pain, but also evaluates the mechanics and structure of the bone and joints related to the area of the pain. For instance, if a patient was potentially suffering from knee or back arthritis, Dr. Greenberg would also evaluate the patient’s pelvis, gait, and foot stance. Unlike an isolated evaluation, Dr. Greenberg is able to look at the problems experienced as a whole to make an informed diagnosis and treatment plan.
Check out Dr. Greenberg’s diagnostic approach, the Greenberg Method, when it comes to evaluating patients’ suffering from arthritis.
Once the diagnosis is made, Dr. Greenberg will recommend Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma, or Stem Cell Therapy depending on the condition and its severity. Each treatment option works to restore the body’s natural function and get the patient back on their feet pain-free.
Are you suffering from arthritis and want to improve the quality of your life? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenberg to determine a treatment plan that is best-suited for you.
