Relief for Arthritis
Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Arthritis Treatment | Hardeeville Bluffton & Hilton Head
Arthritis Specialist in the Lowcountry
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, affecting millions of people each year. At Lowcountry Spine & Sport, we provide expert evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing arthritis symptoms, helping them reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to their daily activities.
Our team treats a wide range of arthritis conditions, from age-related joint degeneration to autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Whether arthritis is affecting your knees, hips, shoulders, spine, hands, or feet, early diagnosis and treatment can help protect joint health and prevent further damage.
We proudly serve patients throughout Bluffton, Hilton Head, and the surrounding Lowcountry communities.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints and can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Over time, arthritis can lead to joint damage and decreased mobility, making everyday tasks more difficult.
Although arthritis is more common in older adults, it can also affect athletes, active individuals, and even children. Some cases develop from wear and tear of the joints, while others are caused by autoimmune conditions that attack joint tissue.
Types of Arthritis We Treat
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down over time.
Without cartilage, bones may rub against each other, causing:
Joint pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Decreased flexibility
Difficulty moving the joint
Osteoarthritis frequently affects knees, hips, shoulders, hands, and the spine and is often related to aging, joint overuse, or previous injury.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints (synovium). This results in inflammation, pain, and joint damage.
Common symptoms include:
Joint swelling
Persistent stiffness, especially in the morning
Tender or warm joints
Fatigue
Reduced joint mobility
Rheumatoid arthritis often affects multiple joints on both sides of the body, particularly the hands, wrists, and knees.
Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream. This leads to crystal deposits in the joints, resulting in sudden and severe joint pain.
Gout symptoms may include:
Intense joint pain
Redness and swelling
Warmth in the affected joint
Sudden flare-ups, often at night
The condition most commonly affects the big toe, but can also occur in the ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.
Symptoms may include:
Joint pain and swelling
Stiffness in the morning
Swollen fingers or toes
Fatigue
Lower back pain
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent joint damage and maintain mobility.
Arthritis Symptoms
Common arthritis symptoms include:
Joint pain or tenderness
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Swelling around the joints
Warmth or redness in the affected area
Difficulty performing everyday movements
Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the type of arthritis.
Arthritis Treatment Options
Treatment for arthritis focuses on reducing pain, managing inflammation, and improving joint function. At Lowcountry Spine & Sport, we offer personalized treatment plans based on the type and severity of arthritis.
Treatment options may include:
Anti-inflammatory medications
Joint injections
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Activity modification and joint protection strategies
Lifestyle and exercise recommendations
Non-surgical pain management treatments
Our goal is to help patients maintain mobility, stay active, and improve their quality of life.
When to See a Doctor for Arthritis
If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, it may be time to see a specialist. Early treatment can help slow the progression of arthritis and prevent long-term joint damage.
Seek medical care if you notice:
Joint pain lasting longer than a few weeks
Swelling that does not improve
Difficulty moving a joint
Sudden severe joint pain
Schedule an Appointment
If arthritis symptoms are affecting your daily life, the team at Lowcountry Spine & Sport is here to help. Our specialists provide comprehensive care for arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory joint conditions for patients throughout Bluffton, Hilton Head, and the Lowcountry.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your path toward pain relief and improved mobility.
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Arthritis is diagnosed through a physical examination, diagnostic tests and imaging exams to evaluate the affected areas of the body. Diagnostic tests may include:
⦿ Blood tests
⦿ Urinalysis
⦿ Joint fluid testing
⦿ X-rays
⦿ MRI scans
An arthroscopy may also be performed to assess the damage within the joints. -
Treatment for arthritis varies based on the type and symptoms. Treatment may include medication to control pain, minimize inflammation and slow the progression of joint damage. Exercise and physical therapy may also be effective at keeping joints flexible.
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair tendons or replace damaged joints. In addition to medical treatment, some forms of arthritis may respond to lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet and exercise. Heat and cold therapy may also relieve pain and swelling in joints and assistive devices such as canes or walkers may assist individuals with arthritis with mobility.
Gout and Psoriatic Arthritis
In addition to common forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, other types of inflammatory arthritis can affect people at different stages of life. Two examples are gout and psoriatic arthritis, both of which can cause significant joint pain, swelling, and reduced mobility if left untreated.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which leads to the formation of crystals in the joints. This condition often develops suddenly and can cause severe joint pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation, most commonly in the big toe but also in the ankles, knees, and other joints.
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of autoimmune arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. This inflammatory condition can lead to joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue, and may affect the fingers, toes, spine, and larger joints.
Early diagnosis and treatment of gout and psoriatic arthritis are important to help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent long-term joint damage. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, and specialized care to improve joint function and overall quality of life.