Arthritis Treatment in Chicago, IL
Understanding Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Arthritis and osteoarthritis are conditions that affect the joints, like the knees, hips, hands, and spine. A healthy joint is meant to move smoothly. With arthritis, that smooth movement can break down over time, so the joint doesn’t work as easily as it used to.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of wear-and-tear arthritis. It mainly affects cartilage, the cushion that covers the ends of bones inside a joint. Cartilage helps bones glide without grinding. When it gets thinner and rougher, the joint can start to feel less smooth and less flexible. Over time, the joint space can get smaller, and the joint may feel painful and harder to use.
Primary Types of Arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, which can cause joint damage over time. It often affects smaller joints, such as the hands and wrists, but can involve larger joints as well.
- Osteoarthritis. The most common type. The cushioning cartilage in a joint gradually breaks down, so the joint doesn’t move properly.
- Gouty arthritis (gout). A type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals building up in a joint. It often appears suddenly and is common in the big toe, but it can also affect the knees, ankles, wrists, and other joints.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis
- Common causes and risk factors of arthritis:
- Wear-and-tear changes in a joint over time, when cartilage gradually breaks down.
- The immune system attacks the joint lining (rheumatoid arthritis).
- Uric acid crystals are building up in a joint (gout).
- Past joint injuries or surgery that change how a joint works.
- Repetitive stress and overuse from work, sports, or daily habits.
- Extra body weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, especially knees and hips.
- Aging and family history can raise risk for common types like osteoarthritis.
- Common symptoms of arthritis (please note that these can vary by type):
- Joint pain.
- Stiffness, often worse after resting or in the morning.
- Swelling around a joint.
- Tenderness when you press on the joint.
- The joint won’t move as freely.
- Warmth or redness around the joint is more common in inflammatory arthritis.
How Arthritis is Diagnosed
Arthritis is usually diagnosed using a mix of methods, not a single test. We start by reviewing your health history, which joints bother you, how long it’s been going on, and how it’s affecting your life. Then we do a physical exam to check the joint for things like tenderness, swelling, warmth, and how well it moves.
If we need more information, lab work can help point toward certain types of arthritis and rule out others. In some cases, testing joint fluid can also be useful. Imaging may be recommended in some cases. That often starts with X-rays, and sometimes includes ultrasound or other scans, depending on the situation.
Chicago Arthritis & Osteoarthritis Treatment at Our Clinic
At our pain management clinic in Chicago, IL, we begin arthritis treatment with an evaluation, then create a plan tailored to your condition and its severity.
For many patients in Chicago, IL, injections are the best option. Depending on the area, our arthritis doctor may recommend steroid injections or joint-specific injections, such as shoulder (including glenohumeral), hip, and facet joint injections in the neck or low back. These injections aim to reduce irritation rather than temporarily numb the area like anesthesia.
We also provide practical, case-appropriate lifestyle advice tailored to your health and habits. If it makes sense for your situation, we may use shockwave therapy (including StemWave therapy). Laser therapy can also be part of care, and we adjust it based on your needs, using 650 nm for more surface-level work and up to 980 nm to reach deeper layers. Regenerative medicine treatment (such as PRP) may be recommended.
Daily Habits That Help Manage Arthritis Pain
Small daily habits can help manage arthritis pain. Staying active in a gentle way is the best advice. Short walks, light cycling, swimming, and simple stretching keep joints active and help support muscles do their job. If you sit a lot, try to stand up and move every hour, even for a minute, which can make a difference.
Weight management also matters for arthritis pain relief, especially for the hips and knees. Even small changes can reduce the load on your joints. Many people also feel better when they properly balance their diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like omega-3s.
Protect your joints during daily tasks. Ask your physician to teach you proper lifting techniques, avoid deep, repetitive bending when you can, and consider supportive shoes or braces if they help. Sleep and stress management matter too, since poor sleep and high stress can make pain feel more intense.
for your pain needs
Choose Painless Medical Practice for Arthritis Pain Relief in Chicago, IL
At Painless Medical Practice in Chicago, IL, we take arthritis pain seriously because it can significantly interfere with your life. Jaroslav Tymouch, MD, leads our clinic, and we focus on practical, evidence-based care tailored to your case.
We don’t use generic approaches. We start with an evaluation, then choose options based on what we find, and proceed with care. We also don’t drag out our arthritis treatment. If you can achieve improvement in fewer visits, that’s what we strive for.
If arthritis pain is ruining your life, book an appointment in Chicago, IL. We’ll help you understand your options.
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FAQs About Arthritis Treatment
What is best treatment for arthritis in lower back?
The best arthritis treatment for lower back pain usually combines pain management, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Non-invasive options such as chiropractic care, therapeutic exercises, and anti-inflammatory treatments help improve mobility and provide long-term arthritis pain relief. An experienced arthritis doctor in Chicago, IL can create a personalized treatment plan based on the severity and cause of your condition.
What is the best treatment for arthritis in the neck?
Effective arthritis treatment for neck arthritis focuses on reducing stiffness, inflammation, and nerve pressure. Treatments may include gentle spinal adjustments, posture correction, stretching exercises, and targeted therapies to relieve tension. Working with a qualified arthritis doctor helps ensure safe care and lasting arthritis pain relief, especially for chronic neck discomfort.
What does arthritis feel like?
Arthritis often feels like persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or a burning sensation that worsens with movement or after long periods of rest. Many patients also experience limited range of motion and muscle tightness. Early diagnosis by an arthritis doctor allows timely arthritis treatment, helping slow progression and improve daily comfort.
How to prevent arthritis?
While some forms of arthritis can’t be fully prevented, healthy habits can significantly reduce joint stress and delay symptoms. Simple preventive steps include:
- maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce joint pressure
- staying physically active with low-impact exercises
- practicing proper posture and ergonomics
- avoiding repetitive joint strain and injuries
- scheduling regular checkups with an arthritis doctor
Early prevention and monitoring help minimize future joint damage and may reduce the need for advanced arthritis treatment, supporting long-term arthritis pain relief.
What People Say About Arthritis Treatment in Chicago, IL
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If you are looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate and highly skilled professional, I highly recommend Dr Tymouch. His expertise truly stand out!
Dr. Tymouch took the time to carefully explain everything, answer my questions, and made me feel completely at ease throughout the entire visit. He treated my knee pain with injections, and the results were truly amazing and fast. I happy that I will be able to enjoy my vacation without discomfort. I’m so grateful for his care and highly recommend Dr. Tymouch to anyone in need of expert, compassionate treatment.
The team is professional, compassionate, and highly skilled at managing different types of pain.
