Key Takeaways
- Exercise and physical therapy are essential for improving mobility, reducing stiffness, and strengthening joints affected by arthritis.
- Anti-inflammatory foods can help decrease pain and support long-term joint health.
- Modern arthritis treatments range from medications to orthobiologic injections that reduce inflammation and support healing.
- Staying active with the right modifications can help prevent symptom flare-ups and slow arthritis progression.
- Dr. Christopher Swanson, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Jacksonville, provides advanced arthritis care—including physical therapy guidance, orthobiologic injections like PRP and BMAC, minimally invasive procedures, and joint replacement options supported by Enovis surgical technology to enhance precision and outcomes. Schedule an appointment today for personalized treatment.
How Your Jacksonville Specialist Helps You Manage Arthritis Pain
Arthritis can make everyday movements feel difficult, but effective treatments exist to reduce pain and support long-term mobility. Your Jacksonville orthopedic specialist focuses on personalized strategies that treat the root of your symptoms—not just the discomfort. Below are five proven approaches that can help you feel better, stay active, and protect your joints.
1. Exercise and Physical Therapy for Arthritis Relief
Staying active is one of the most powerful ways to manage arthritis. Movement stimulates joint lubrication, strengthens supporting muscles, and improves stability.
Why Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapy is often the first step in arthritis management. A specialist may recommend targeted exercises to:
- Increase range of motion
- Strengthen muscles around the joints
- Improve balance and body mechanics
- Reduce stiffness
Strengthening the muscles that support the knee or shoulder can significantly reduce joint stress. For example, strengthening surrounding tissues can help relieve symptoms of knee arthritis or shoulder arthritis and improve daily function.
Arthritis treatment pages on Dr. Swanson’s site reinforce that targeted therapy can reduce symptoms and help many patients avoid more invasive options.
Examples of Helpful Exercises
These low-impact movements are commonly recommended for arthritis:
- Swimming or water aerobics: reduces joint load while improving strength
- Cycling: boosts mobility without excessive impact
- Gentle stretching: decreases stiffness in shoulders, knees, and hands
- Strength training: supports stability and protects joints
Always consult a specialist before starting new exercises to ensure they match your condition and activity level.
2. The Role of Diet and Anti-Inflammatory Foods
While food cannot cure arthritis, certain dietary choices promote overall joint health and may help reduce inflammation.
Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods
- Omega-3-rich fish (salmon, sardines)
- Leafy greens
- Berries
- Olive oil
- Turmeric and ginger
Pairing nutritious foods with a consistent exercise plan can help regulate inflammation and prevent symptom flare-ups.
What to Limit
Reducing the following may support better joint health:
- Processed sugars
- Excess sodium
- Fried foods
- Alcohol
These can contribute to inflammation and worsen joint pain over time.
3. Medications and Advanced Arthritis Treatments
Your Jacksonville specialist may recommend medications to help manage pain and inflammation. However, Dr. Swanson’s practice also provides advanced, evidence-based treatments designed for longer-term relief and improved joint function.
Orthobiologic Injections (PRP & BMAC)
Dr. Swanson offers regenerative treatments such as:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Uses concentrated platelets to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC): Contains stem cells and growth factors to help repair cartilage and reduce symptoms of moderate arthritis.
These treatments are supported by detailed explanations on your orthobiologics page, which outline how PRP and BMAC help repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
When arthritis affects the shoulder or knee joint more significantly, minimally invasive techniques may be recommended. Examples include:
- Shoulder arthroscopy for arthritis-related shoulder issues
- Knee arthroscopy for certain joint function problems or associated injuries
Arthroscopy uses small incisions and specialized tools, which often result in:
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Reduced tissue disruption
Joint Replacement Options
For severe arthritis that no longer responds to conservative care, Dr. Swanson offers modern joint replacement solutions:
- Shoulder replacement using advanced Enovis implants and augmented-reality guidance to improve surgical accuracy, implant positioning, and long-term joint function
- Partial knee replacement for patients whose arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee
By integrating Enovis technology into shoulder replacement procedures, Dr. Swanson is able to deliver a higher level of precision and consistency, helping patients achieve better alignment, durability, and postoperative mobility.
4. Tips for Staying Active Without Worsening Joint Pain
Movement helps arthritis, but the right kind of movement matters.
Smart Activity Strategies
To stay safe and avoid flare-ups:
- Warm up properly: increases joint fluid circulation
- Switch to low-impact exercise: walking, swimming, cycling
- Use supportive footwear: reduces shock to the knees
- Alternate rest and activity: prevents overuse
- Avoid deep squats or high-impact jumps: can put extra stress on arthritic joints
Your Jacksonville specialist will recommend personalized activity plans based on your diagnosis, pain level, and goals.
5. Personalized Care From a Jacksonville Specialist
Arthritis affects every patient differently. That’s why Dr. Swanson emphasizes customized care plans tailored to your symptoms, activity level, and long-term joint health.
What Personalized Care Includes
- Detailed physical exam and imaging
- Review of lifestyle and activity goals
- Clear discussion of treatment options
- Tailored exercises and movement guidelines
- Regenerative medicine options (PRP & BMAC)
- Minimally invasive and surgical solutions when necessary
This patient-centered approach helps you feel supported, informed, and confident throughout your arthritis treatment journey.
Improve Your Comfort With Expert Arthritis Care
Arthritis may be a long-term condition, but the right treatment plan can significantly improve mobility and reduce daily pain. Dr. Christopher Swanson offers advanced, personalized arthritis care to help you stay active and confident in your movement. From non-surgical solutions to joint replacement supported by Enovis technology, his care is designed around accuracy, durability, and patient-centered outcomes.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Swanson for a comprehensive arthritis evaluation and treatment in Jacksonville, St. Johns, or Fleming Island. Explore modern solutions tailored to your joint health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for arthritis pain relief?
The best treatment depends on your symptoms, but many patients improve with physical therapy, medications, orthobiologic injections like PRP or BMAC, and occasionally minimally invasive procedures or joint replacement.
What exercises help with arthritis pain?
Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, stretching, and strengthening exercises help reduce stiffness and support joint stability.
Can diet improve arthritis symptoms?
Yes. Anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce discomfort and support overall joint health, especially when combined with proper exercise and treatment.
When should I see a specialist for arthritis treatment?
See a specialist when pain becomes persistent, mobility decreases, swelling occurs frequently, or your daily activities are affected.
Does Dr. Swanson offer advanced arthritis treatments?
Yes. Dr. Swanson provides PRP, BMAC, minimally invasive arthroscopy, physical therapy guidance, medications, and joint replacement options. For patients requiring shoulder replacement, he incorporates Enovis surgical technology to improve implant positioning, surgical precision, and long-term joint performance.
