- Osteoarthritis Treatment
Osteoarthritis Treatment in El Paso, TX
Osteoarthritis has a way of diminishing everyday life. The walk you used to enjoy, the stairs you used to climb without thinking, and the activities that kept you feeling like yourself can all become impossible. It doesn’t have to be like this.
At El Paso Center for Family & Sports Medicine, Dr. Angel J. Garcia, MD, brings a sports medicine approach to osteoarthritis care: relieving pain, protecting your joints, and helping you stay as active as possible.
Ready to reclaim your life? Give our office a call at (915) 493-6646.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It develops when the protective cartilage that cushions your joints gradually wears down, causing bones to rub more directly against one another. The result is pain, stiffness, and reduced movement that tends to worsen over time if left unmanaged. While it’s often linked to aging, it can also follow past injuries, repetitive stress, or extra strain on the joints. It most commonly affects the:
- Knees
- Hips
- Hands and fingers
- Lower back and neck
- Shoulders
Signs You May Have Osteoarthritis
It can be tricky to identify osteoarthritis from a passing pain. The symptoms usually come on slowly, and early care can make a real difference. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
- Joint pain during or after movement
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
- Tenderness or swelling around a joint
- A grating or clicking sensation when you move
- Reduced range of motion
- Weakness in the muscles around the joint
Effective Treatments for Managing Osteoarthritis
There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but the right plan can dramatically improve how you feel and function. Depending on your needs, your plan may include:
Medication
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as Aleve help relieve pain, but patients should not take either one for long periods of time without any breaks. Long-term use can cause organ damage and other side effects. Dr. Garcia may suggest prescription drugs, but they should not be taken for years at a time.
Physical and occupational therapy
A physical therapist can provide a jump-start to an effective exercise program to help strengthen muscles around the painful joint. The therapy may include massage, electrical nerve stimulation, or ultrasound to reduce inflammation and help restore mobility.
An occupational therapist helps develop alternatives to motions that have become difficult. For example, a split computer keyboard can help tremendously for arthritis in the wrist or fingers, and improved posture helps relieve arthritis in the neck and back.
Injection therapy
Cortisone shots usually help relieve painful joints. Dr. Garcia numbs the area and injects the cortisone into the space between the bones in the joint. He can give patients three to four shots per year. Any more than that can damage bones.
Surgery
Surgery is a last resort but is sometimes necessary if, for example, there is no cartilage left in the knee. Dr. Garcia refers patients to an orthopedic surgeon if surgery needs to be considered. If a patient is a candidate for it, partial joint replacements are becoming very popular. They are less invasive and require less recovery time than full joint replacements.
At-Home Treatment & Management
It may feel counterintuitive, but staying active at home is one of the most powerful tools against osteoarthritis. Gentle, joint-friendly activity helps maintain strength, flexibility, and function. Some lifestyle changes and at-home remedies that can help relieve pain include:
- Exercise to strengthen muscles around joints, increasing stability
- Weight loss is critical to reducing stress on knees and hips; even a small amount of weight loss helps relieve pain
- Ice and heat relieve stiff joints, muscle spasms, and pain
- Capsaicin and over-the-counter pain creams work on joints close to the skin such as knees and fingers
- Orthotics take the pressure off joints when standing or walking
- Braces for your knee, elbow, or hand support the joint, making motion easier
- Assistive devices such as canes and walkers help take pressure off painful joints
Why Choose Us for Osteoarthritis Care
Living with joint pain is hard enough. Getting help shouldn’t be. Here’s why El Paso patients trust us with their osteoarthritis:
- A sports medicine perspective. Care focused on keeping you active, not just managing pain.
- Non-surgical expertise. Conservative treatment aimed at relief and function.
- On-site imaging. X-rays and ultrasound in-house for an accurate diagnosis.
- Same-day appointments. Start addressing your pain sooner.
- A five-minute promise. You'll never wait more than five minutes to be seen.
- A long-term partner. Ongoing care from a physician who tracks your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only an evaluation can determine for sure. Dr. Garcia assesses your symptoms and history, using on-site X-rays to confirm osteoarthritis and rule out other causes of joint pain.
There’s no cure, but it can be managed effectively. The right treatment plan can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow the impact on your daily life.
Not necessarily. Dr. Garcia emphasizes non-surgical management, which helps many patients find lasting relief. If advanced care is ever needed, he’ll coordinate the appropriate referral.
For most people, staying gently active is better. The right movement helps maintain strength and joint function. We’ll guide you on activity that’s safe for your joints.
It’s more common with age but isn’t limited to older adults. Past injuries, repetitive stress, and joint strain can lead to osteoarthritis earlier in life.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to let osteoarthritis keep you on the sidelines. Get non-surgical care built on timeliness, integrity, accuracy, and compassion, and get back to doing what you love. Call El Paso Center for Family & Sports Medicine at (915) 493-6646 or request an appointment online today. Same-day visits are available, and new patients are always welcome.