Arthritis And Joint Pain Specialist

Interventional Spine and Pain Institute

Pain Management Specialists & Interventional Pain Management Specialists located in Vero Beach, FL & Palm Bay, FL

Over 58 million American adults have arthritis and are at increased risk of developing chronic joint pain and inflammation. If you’re unable to work because of arthritis and joint pain, you can find nonsurgical pain relief at Interventional Spine and Pain Institute. Experienced pain management specialist Michael Esposito, MD, manages arthritis pain with medications, physical therapy, and in-office procedures like radiofrequency ablation. To learn more about the available pain management options for arthritis and joint pain, call the office in Vero Beach or Palm Bay, Florida, or book a consultation online today.

Arthritis and Joint Pain Q & A

Why does arthritis cause joint pain?

Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects your joints. While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, the two most common are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a wear-and-tear disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis develops as you get older, and the protective cartilage that lines your joint bones breaks down and wears away. Without the protective joint lining, your bones rub together, creating friction. This constant friction irritates the joint and causes inflammation that leads to pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack otherwise healthy joint tissue. The attack causes persistent swelling that makes your joints stiff and painful. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to bone erosion that causes joint deformities.

When should I seek treatment for arthritis and joint pain?

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Interventional Spine and Pain Institute if your chronic joint pain can no longer be treated with over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

Dr. Esposito also recommends that you seek treatment for arthritis pain that interferes with your ability to work or be physically active. He uses advanced diagnostic imaging to evaluate the severity of arthritis in any part of your body, including your:

Knees
Hips
Shoulders
Facet joints
Sacroiliac joint

Based on the results of your imaging procedures and a physical exam, Dr. Esposito customizes a pain management plan. He focuses on relieving your pain and inflammation and improving your joint strength and mobility.

How are arthritis and joint pain treated?

Your initial treatment plan for early arthritis pain can include anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids) and pain relievers. Dr. Esposito could also recommend ice or heat therapy to relieve joint swelling and physical therapy to restore joint function.

Interventional Spine and Pain Institute also offers regenerative medicine therapies using stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). These substances, harvested from your own body, stimulate the production of new, healthy cells to replace damaged nerves, soft tissues, and bones in your joints.

If your pain is more severe, you could be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation. Dr. Esposito inserts a needle-like probe into the affected joint during this treatment. The probe delivers radiofrequency energy into the nerves surrounding your joint to stop pain signals from traveling to your brain.

Radiofrequency ablation offers pain relief that can last a year or longer. Once your pain is under control, you can benefit from ongoing physical therapy and at-home exercises to sustain your long-term joint health.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for arthritis and joint pain, call Interventional Spine and Pain Institute or book a consultation online today.