Key Takeaways
- Medications play an important role in reducing inflammation, easing pain, and helping patients maintain mobility.
- Physical therapy strengthens supporting muscles, improves flexibility, and helps protect arthritic joints from further stress.
- Surgery may be recommended when arthritis becomes severe and conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
- Lifestyle changes, including exercise, joint protection, and anti-inflammatory nutrition, can support long-term joint health.
- Dr. Christopher Swanson, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Jacksonville, offers comprehensive arthritis care including medications, physical therapy guidance, orthobiologic injections, minimally invasive procedures, and joint replacement options. This is supported by Enovis surgical technology to enhance precision, planning, and long-term outcomes. Schedule an appointment to receive personalized arthritis treatment.
Understanding Arthritis Treatment Options
Arthritis affects millions of adults each year and remains one of the leading causes of joint pain and mobility limitations. While arthritis cannot be reversed, modern treatment options can relieve symptoms, slow progression, and significantly improve quality of life. Each patient requires a tailored plan based on age, activity level, joint condition, and long-term goals.
Below, we break down the primary treatment options used to manage arthritis, from conservative care to advanced surgical solutions offered by Dr. Christopher Swanson.
Medications for Managing Arthritis Symptoms
Medications are often the first step in arthritis treatment. They help control inflammation, reduce pain, and improve day-to-day function.
Common Medication Approaches
Medications may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Pain relievers to ease daily symptoms
- Topical treatments for targeted relief
These medications are often combined with other therapies such as physical therapy or activity modification to improve overall joint function.
When Medications Work Best
Medications tend to be most effective in:
- Early or mild arthritis
- Managing flare-ups
- Supporting activity and mobility goals
However, medications alone may not fully address deeper structural issues inside the joint, which is why specialists often recommend a comprehensive treatment plan.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Arthritis Patients
Physical therapy plays a foundational role in arthritis management. Strengthening surrounding muscles reduces stress on the joint, while improving flexibility helps maintain mobility.
How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis
A structured therapy program can:
- Improve range of motion
- Increase joint stability
- Reduce stiffness
- Encourage safe movement patterns
- Strengthen supportive muscles
Patients with knee or shoulder arthritis often notice improved function when therapy focuses on hip alignment, core stability, and shoulder blade control.
Therapy With a Specialist’s Guidance
Dr. Swanson integrates physical therapy recommendations into treatment plans to ensure patients receive exercises tailored to their condition, lifestyle, and comfort level.
Alternative and Advanced Treatments for Arthritis
Beyond medications and physical therapy, several evidence-based treatments can reduce pain and support healing.
Orthobiologic Injections
Dr. Swanson offers two advanced regenerative therapies designed to improve joint health and reduce symptoms:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP uses platelets from your blood to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and support healthier joint tissue.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)
BMAC delivers regenerative cells to areas of arthritis or cartilage loss, supporting tissue repair and improving joint function.
These procedures use modern imaging and precision techniques to ensure accurate placement.
Minimally Invasive Procedures for Arthritis
Some patients experience mechanical symptoms due to torn cartilage, loose tissue, or inflammation within the joint. In these cases, minimally invasive surgery may be helpful. Dr. Swanson incorporates Enovis-supported surgical planning and instrumentation when appropriate to help optimize procedural accuracy and joint alignment.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic procedures use small incisions and a camera to treat certain shoulder and knee problems related to arthritis progression. Arthroscopy may be used to:
- Smooth damaged cartilage
- Address soft-tissue irritation
- Remove inflamed tissue
This approach typically leads to shorter recovery times and improved mobility.
When to Consider Surgery for Severe Arthritis
Surgery becomes an option when arthritis severely limits mobility or when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
Partial Knee Replacement
For isolated knee arthritis, partial knee replacement can restore comfort and function while preserving healthy bone and tissue.
Shoulder Replacement
Advanced shoulder arthritis may require shoulder replacement. Dr. Swanson utilizes modern implants and advanced surgical planning technology to ensure optimal precision and long-term results. For shoulder replacement procedures, Enovis technology is used to support enhanced visualization, accurate implant positioning, and improved surgical consistency. Surgical treatment is often recommended when patients experience persistent pain, significant joint damage, or major mobility limitations.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Arthritis Management
Lifestyle adjustments are powerful tools for reducing arthritis symptoms and protecting long-term joint health.
Helpful Lifestyle Strategies
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress
- Incorporate low-impact exercise into your routine
- Stretch regularly to maintain flexibility
- Choose anti-inflammatory foods that support joint health
- Avoid repetitive stress on the joints
Changes like these help patients stay active while preventing flare-ups and protecting the joint from further damage.
How Specialists Provide Personalized Arthritis Care
Every arthritis case is unique, which is why personalized care is essential. Dr. Swanson considers factors such as:
- The joint affected
- Severity of cartilage loss
- Patient age and lifestyle
- Mobility limitations
- Treatment preferences
His comprehensive approach may include diagnostic imaging, physical therapy recommendations, medications, orthobiologics, minimally invasive procedures, and joint replacement options. When surgical intervention is required, Enovis-powered solutions are incorporated to support precision, durability, and patient-specific outcomes—particularly for shoulder procedures.
Personalized care ensures that each patient receives the proper treatment at the right time, supporting long-term mobility and comfort.
Explore Effective Arthritis Treatment With an Expert
Arthritis treatment succeeds when it combines the right therapies with individualized care. Dr. Christopher Swanson offers advanced diagnostic tools, physical therapy guidance, regenerative injections, minimally invasive arthroscopy, and joint replacement options to help reduce pain and restore mobility. His surgical approach is further enhanced by Enovis technology, which supports detailed planning and accurate execution for patients requiring advanced joint procedures.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Swanson for an expert evaluation and treatment of arthritis in Jacksonville, St. Johns, or Fleming Island, and explore a personalized path toward long-lasting joint relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common treatment options for arthritis?
Medications, physical therapy, orthobiologic injections, minimally invasive procedures, and joint replacement are among the most common treatments.
How does physical therapy help arthritis?
Therapy improves flexibility, strengthens supportive muscles, and helps reduce stress on arthritic joints.
When should I consider surgery for arthritis?
Surgery may be recommended when severe arthritis significantly limits mobility or when conservative treatments no longer offer relief. Dr. Swanson uses Enovis-supported surgical technologies for eligible patients to enhance precision, alignment, and long-term joint performance.
Are orthobiologic injections effective for arthritis?
PRP and BMAC injections may help reduce inflammation, support healing, and improve mobility for many arthritis patients.
Can lifestyle changes improve arthritis symptoms?
Yes. Weight control, exercise, stretching, and anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce pain and support joint health.
