Arthritis

Up to 24% of American adults have arthritis –– a group of more than 100 diseases that cause joint pain and inflammation. At Kentucky Joint Specialists, located in Louisville, Kentucky, knee and shoulder expert Jennifer Blackburn, APRN, FNP-C, and the team specialize in diagnosing and treating knee and shoulder arthritis. The team boasts a 90% efficacy rate using a patented protocol that combines bracing, joint injections, and physical therapy. Call the office today to receive treatment for knee or shoulder arthritis, or book your appointment online.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for diseases that cause joint pain. There are many types of arthritis, but the two that most commonly affect the knees and shoulders include:

Osteoarthritis

This type of arthritis occurs when your cartilage –– a soft substance that cushions your joints –– wears down. Without cartilage to provide a protective barrier, your bones rub against each other, causing stiffness and swelling.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This type of arthritis causes your immune system to attack the lining of your joints. As the condition worsens, it causes swelling, stiffness, and joint abnormalities.

If you regularly experience joint pain, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause.

What parts of the body does arthritis affect?

Kentucky Joint Specialists only treats arthritis that affects the shoulders and knees:

Shoulders

Your shoulders are some of the most active joints in your body, assisting you with reaching, throwing, and lifting.

Knees

Your knees connect your upper and lower legs, allowing you to bend, squat, and kick.

If you have chronic shoulder or knee pain, visit the Kentucky Joint Specialists team.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Warmth

As the condition worsens, you may find bending your affected knee or shoulder difficult.

When should I see a specialist about arthritis?

Make an appointment at Kentucky Joint Specialists if you experience knee or shoulder pain that lasts for more than a few days and doesn’t improve with rest or ice. That’s particularly true if the pain occurs alongside swelling, redness, and joint instability or affects your normal routine.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Your Kentucky Joint Specialists provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an exam. They check your shoulder or knee, looking for redness, bruising, or swelling, and gently press on your joint and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive areas.

Next, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These procedures can reveal underlying issues, like fractures, cartilage breakdown, or soft tissue inflammation.

How is arthritis treated?

The Kentucky Joint Specialists team uses a patented protocol to treat knee and shoulder arthritis. Depending on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your symptoms, your provider may recommend:

• Joint injections
• Physical therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments
• Ice, rest, elevation, and compression (RICE)
• Activity modification
• Maintaining a healthy weight

To ensure the accuracy of joint injections, the Kentucky Joint Specialists team uses fluoroscopic guidance. That ensures the pain medication is precisely delivered to your joint and provides lasting relief.

Call Kentucky Joint Specialists today to receive treatment for knee or shoulder arthritis, or book your appointment online.