There are a few different causes of arthritis. Fortunately, there are also several different ways to treat it. 

Below are some of the various treatment options for arthritis. The disease can affect everyone differently and attack various parts of the body, so the most effective type of treatment for one person may be different than that of another. 

How to Treat Arthritis

Medication

There are several different types of medication that can be used to treat arthritis. These medications include pills, creams, and injections and can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. 

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery involves a minimally invasive incision, a tiny camera, and small instruments to perform any of the following:

• Repair damaged tissue or cartilage
• Remove broken or free-floating cartilage
• Remove bone near a damaged joint
• Remove the synovium, or the lining of the joints

Removing the bone, cartilage, or tissue affected by arthritis can relieve the body of the associated pain. 

Total Joint Replacement

A joint that is affected by arthritis can be replaced with an implant that moves and acts just like a natural joint. These artificial joints are typically made from metal, plastic, or ceramic. 

Partial Joint Replacement

This procedure involves the installation of an implant on only one part of the joint, preserving the components that are less affected by the arthritis and leaving more of the natural joint in place. 

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

This advanced procedure uses a 3D virtual model of your anatomy to formulate a surgical plan for installing an implant. A surgeon then guides a robotic arm to perform the implant for pinpoint accuracy and alignment. 

This type of treatment is less invasive than a traditional joint replacement surgery and requires less recovery time. 

General Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic procedures to treat arthritis can use pins, plates, rods, and other hardware to fuse two or more bones together to form a functioning joint. 

Arthritis Treatment Near Charleston, South Carolina

The team at South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center specializes in treating arthritis in the hand, wrist, elbow, spine, neck, back, foot, ankle, shoulder, hip, and knee. We offer a variety of different treatment options, and our doctors will review your case to determine the best course of action for relieving your pain. 

Schedule your consultation today for a pain-free tomorrow.