Arthritis & Joint Pain Treatment in St. Petersburg, FL
A careful look at what is driving your pain, plus non-surgical options like joint injections and PRP to help you stay active.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. The most common type is osteoarthritis, where the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness and swelling, most often in the knees, hips, hands and shoulders. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are other types with different causes.
Not all joint pain is arthritis. Tendon problems, bursitis and old injuries can cause similar aches. Finding the real source of your pain is the first step, because the best treatment for a worn knee is different from the best treatment for an irritated tendon.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms often come and go at first, then become more steady over time.
Joint pain
Aching during or after movement is usually the first sign.
Stiffness
Joints may feel stiff in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Swelling
A joint may look puffy or feel warm, especially after activity.
Less range of motion
You may not be able to bend or straighten a joint as far as before.
Grinding or clicking
A rough or crunching feeling can happen when cartilage wears down.
Flare-ups
Pain can spike for days at a time, often after more activity than usual.
Causes and Risk Factors
Joint wear and inflammation build up from age, past stress on the joint and your health history.
- Getting older
- Past joint injuries
- Extra body weight on the knees and hips
- Repetitive strain from work or sports
- Family history of arthritis
- Autoimmune conditions
How We Treat Arthritis and Joint Pain
Your visit starts with an exam of the joint and a talk about how the pain affects your day. Your provider may order imaging to see what is going on. From there, we recommend the next step that fits, whether that is activity changes, medication, an injection or a referral.
When conservative care needs more support, we offer image-guided corticosteroid and viscosupplementation injections for the knee, shoulder, hip and other joints. For some patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, PRP therapy is another option. It uses a concentrate of your own blood platelets, placed into the joint. If a surgical opinion is right, we refer you to a trusted orthopedic network and stay involved.
- Joint evaluation for knees, shoulders, hips and more
- Image-guided corticosteroid and viscosupplementation injections
- PRP therapy for suitable joint conditions
- Orthopedic referrals when surgery may be the right path
When to See a Doctor
Book a visit when joint pain keeps you from your usual activities or does not improve with rest. A hot, red, very swollen joint with fever needs same-day care.
- Pain or stiffness that lasts more than a few weeks
- Swelling that keeps coming back
- Trouble walking, climbing stairs or sleeping because of a joint
- Over-the-counter pain relievers are no longer enough
Frequently Asked Questions
What is best for arthritis joint pain?
It depends on the joint and the type of arthritis. Many people do well with a mix of activity, weight management and medication, and injections can help when those are not enough. Your provider will match the plan to your exam.
How can I calm an osteoarthritis flare-up?
Rest the joint for a short time, use ice or heat, and keep gently moving so it does not stiffen. If flares are frequent, an evaluation can show whether an injection or a change in treatment would help.
Do joint injections hurt?
Most people feel brief pressure or a pinch. Our injections are image-guided, which helps place the medicine accurately in the joint.
Does insurance cover PRP for arthritis?
Most insurance plans do not cover PRP, so we discuss pricing openly at your consultation before any treatment is scheduled. For other joint treatments, coverage depends on your plan, and our team can verify your benefits before your visit.
How soon can I get in?
Most new patients are seen within the same week, and established patients can often get a same-day visit for a sudden flare. Call (727) 322-4227 to book.
Related Conditions
Treatments for Arthritis & Joint Pain
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Most major insurances accepted, please call our office to verify
More than a doctor's office, we are your partners in health and more than a patient, you are part of our community.