Arthritis treatment at Pain Management NYC is delivered by board-certified interventional pain management doctors with extensive experience in non-surgical and minimally invasive joint care. We offer image-guided injections, regenerative therapies, and advanced interventional procedures for knee, hip, shoulder, spine, and hand arthritis to reduce inflammation and restore function.
Our comprehensive arthritis pain management allows NYC patients to relieve joint stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility, and chronic pain, enabling them to move more comfortably, improve daily function, and regain quality of life without unnecessary surgery.
What is Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation and degeneration of the joints. It develops when joint cartilage breaks down, inflammation increases, or the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Over time, this leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Osteoarthritis treatment focuses on the most common form of arthritis, which occurs due to the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage. It typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips, but it can also involve the shoulders, hands, and spine. As cartilage thins, bones begin to rub against each other, causing discomfort and joint instability.
In contrast, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis addresses an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. This form of arthritis often causes symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and prolonged morning stiffness. Early diagnosis and targeted therapy are essential to prevent long-term joint damage.
Understanding the specific type of arthritis is the first step in creating an effective, individualized treatment plan.
Other Common Types of Arthritis
While osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most well-known forms, there are several other types of arthritis that can significantly affect joint health.
At Pain Management NYC, we provide targeted treatments for each arthritis type, including:
Psoriatic arthritis
This inflammatory arthritis is linked to psoriasis and can affect the fingers, toes, larger joints, and spine. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Available interventions include image-guided steroid injections, regenerative therapies, and arthritis physical therapy treatment to reduce inflammation and improve joint function. With consistent care, patients often experience reduced pain and greater flexibility, making daily tasks easier.
Gout
Caused by uric acid crystal buildup, gout often starts in the big toe or foot, triggering sudden, intense pain. Treatments at our clinic include joint injections to reduce flare-ups, dietary counseling, and medications prescribed in coordination with your primary physician. These interventions can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks, allowing patients to return to normal activities more comfortably.
Pseudogout (CPPD)
Similar to gout, CPPD involves calcium crystal deposits, commonly in the knee or wrist. Our approach includes anti-inflammatory injections, joint fluid aspiration when necessary, and guided physical therapy. Many patients notice reduced swelling and improved joint movement after a series of treatments.
Ankylosing spondylitis (axial spondyloarthritis)
Primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, axial spondyloarthritis causes chronic back stiffness and discomfort. Treatments offered include image-guided injections, targeted physical therapy programs, and regenerative medicine to reduce inflammation and improve spinal mobility. Over time, these interventions can help you maintain a more active lifestyle with less daily pain.
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a joint inflammation following certain infections and can be managed with steroid injections, anti-inflammatory therapies, and supervised physical therapy. Treatment helps control swelling and pain while restoring range of motion, enabling patients to resume regular activities sooner.
Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis developing after joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament damage, can cause persistent pain and limited motion. Our treatments focus on reducing inflammation with injections, promoting healing through regenerative therapies, and strengthening joints with physical therapy. Most patients notice significant improvement in joint stability and function.
Infectious (septic) arthritis
Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection that requires urgent evaluation. At our clinic, we collaborate closely with infectious disease specialists and orthopedic teams to provide immediate care, including antibiotics and joint drainage when necessary. Early intervention can prevent permanent joint damage and restore mobility.
At Pain Management NYC, each treatment is tailored to the individual’s condition and lifestyle. While recovery timelines vary by arthritis type, most patients see measurable improvement in pain relief, mobility, and quality of life within a few weeks to months of consulting an arthritis specialist and starting therapy.
What Symptoms Does Arthritis Cause?
Arthritis can affect people differently depending on the type and severity, but common signs usually indicate that joints are inflamed or damaged.
Understanding these symptoms early can help you seek timely care:
- Joint Pain and Tenderness – Persistent pain in one or multiple joints is often the first sign of arthritis. The pain may worsen with movement or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling and Warmth – Inflamed joints can appear swollen, feel warm to the touch, and sometimes appear red. These signs indicate active inflammation that may need medical intervention.
- Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion – Joints may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods. This can make daily activities like walking, bending, or gripping difficult.
- Fatigue and Weakness – Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, can cause general fatigue and weakness, affecting overall energy and mobility.
- Deformities or Joint Changes – Chronic arthritis may lead to visible changes in joint shape or alignment over time, highlighting the importance of early evaluation.
Timely treatment can significantly improve these symptoms. Our arthritis pain treatment options in NYC, including injections, physical therapy, and regenerative therapies, aim to reduce pain, restore function, and improve daily quality of life. For patients needing expert care, consulting our arthritis pain doctor in NYC ensures a personalized plan targeting specific symptoms and underlying causes.
Causes & Risk Factors of Arthritis
Arthritis develops for a variety of reasons, often depending on the type.
Some of the common factors that put you at risk include:
- Age – The risk of many types of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age as joint cartilage naturally wears down over time.
- Genetics – Family history can play a role. Some forms, like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, are linked to inherited genes that affect the immune system.
- Joint Injuries – Previous fractures, ligament tears, or meniscus injuries can lead to post-traumatic arthritis, increasing the likelihood of long-term joint problems.
- Autoimmune Conditions – Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue.
- Metabolic Conditions – Gout develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints, causing sudden and severe pain.
- Lifestyle Factors – Obesity, sedentary habits, and poor diet can place extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Smoking may also contribute to rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory forms.
- Infections – Certain infections can trigger reactive arthritis or septic arthritis, causing inflammation and joint damage.
While some risk factors, like genetics or age, cannot be changed, many can be managed with lifestyle adjustments, early diagnosis, and appropriate interventions. Early consultation with an arthritis doctor ensures a personalized treatment plan. Our team, led by board-certified specialists Dr. Leon Reyfman, MD, and Dr. Boleslav Kosharskyy, MD, can help you reduce pain, protect joint function, and maintain mobility over time.
How Arthritis Is Diagnosed and Treated
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in managing arthritis effectively. At Pain Management NYC, we combine advanced imaging, lab tests, and expert evaluations to identify the type and severity of arthritis, allowing us to tailor a treatment plan to each patient’s needs.
Diagnosis
Our team of specialists uses a comprehensive approach to confirm arthritis, which may include:
- Physical Examination – Assessing joint tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and overall function.
- Imaging Tests – X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to detect cartilage loss, bone changes, or joint inflammation.
- Lab Tests – Blood tests to check for autoimmune markers, uric acid levels, or signs of infection.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis is established, we offer a wide range of treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow disease progression.
These include:
- Non-Surgical Interventions – Image-guided steroid injections, joint lubrication therapies, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
- Regenerative Medicine – Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies designed to promote healing and improve joint function.
- Physical Therapy – Customized exercises to strengthen muscles around joints, improve flexibility, and restore movement.
With the right combination of diagnosis and treatment, patients often experience reduced pain, improved joint stability, and a better quality of life. Early intervention from our arthritis pain specialist in NYC can help prevent long-term damage while significantly improving your quality of life.
Arthritis Treatment Side Effects You Might Experience
Although our procedures are minimally invasive, some patients may notice mild side effects. These can include temporary fatigue, swelling at injection sites, or lightheadedness after IV therapies. Such reactions are rare and short-lived. At Pain Management NYC, we carefully evaluate your medical history and closely monitor your progress to ensure safety and comfort throughout treatment.
Risks of Leaving Arthritis Untreated
Without timely care, arthritis can lead to serious joint damage, deformity, and decreased mobility. Chronic inflammation may also affect other areas of the body, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even depression. Patients who delay treatment often rely on long-term pain medications, which may mask symptoms but do not address the root cause. Early targeted therapy is essential for preserving joint function, maintaining independence, and improving overall quality of life.
Don’t let arthritis limit your life. Whether you’re seeking treatment for rheumatoid arthritis or need an osteoarthritis doctor, Pain Management NYC can help. Our board-certified specialists provide personalized care to reduce pain, improve mobility, and protect your joints. Schedule a consultation today to start a treatment plan tailored to your needs and regain your quality of life.
Written by Dr. Boleslav Kosharskyy, MD
(Pain Management Doctor)