Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are more than just signs of aging—they can indicate arthritis, a condition that affects millions of adults in the U.S. every year. Whether you’re struggling to walk comfortably or perform everyday activities, arthritis can severely impact your quality of life.
Arthritis is actually a disease, with over 100 variants. This makes it a tricky illness to treat. Though there is no fix-all cure, modern healthcare has made it possible to treat and alleviate the pain and difficulty that can come with an arthritis diagnosis.
At New York Bone and Joint Specialists, our arthritis doctors have decades of experience in diagnosing and treating this difficult condition. Our team can help guide you through a recent diagnosis, offer pain-relieving treatment for an existing condition, or steer you in the right direction for lasting relief.
Let’s learn more about this common disease, its variants, and how we support those in need.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation in the joints. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and difficulty performing everyday movements.
Despite commonly being associated with aging, there are actually over 100 variants of arthritis, many of which are the result of different causes. Some of the most prevalent causes of arthritis, other than age-related wear and tear, include autoimmune disease and infections.
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly involves the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms can vary, but often worsen with time without appropriate treatment.
Below are some of the arthritic conditions we see regularly.
The Most Common Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis—especially among older adults. It occurs when the cartilage, the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones within a joint, begins to wear down over time. In advanced cases, the cartilage can deteriorate entirely, leading to painful bone-on-bone contact.
This condition can also cause bone spurs—bony projections that develop at the edges of joints. Osteoarthritis typically leads to joint pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. In severe cases, joint function can be significantly impaired, potentially leading to disability. The most commonly affected joints include the spine, knees, and hips.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, tissues, and organs. It most often affects women of childbearing age (15–44).
This condition causes inflammation in the lining of the joints (called the synovium), leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint function. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint deformities—for example, fingers may bend or curve abnormally due to joint damage.
Unlike other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis tends to be symmetrical, meaning it affects the same joints on both sides of the body at the same time. It most commonly affects the small joints in the hands and feet. Women are two to three times more likely than men to develop this condition.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis:
Post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury to a joint, such as the hand, wrist, or elbow. It can result from previous trauma like a fracture, severe sprain, or torn ligaments. While the symptoms may not appear immediately, arthritis can develop years after the initial injury, causing long-term pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility.
Psoriatic Arthritis:
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs in some individuals with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. This type of arthritis often affects the joints at the ends of the fingers and toes and may also lead to nail changes, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed. In cases where the spine is involved, psoriatic arthritis can also cause back pain.
Need clarity on your diagnosis? Our arthritis doctors can help.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms can include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and tenderness
- Decreased range of motion
- Joint warmth or redness
- Grating sensation in joints
When to See an Arthritis or Osteoarthritis Doctor
You should consult with a specialist if:
- Joint pain persists for more than a few weeks
- You notice swelling, redness, or decreased joint function
- You experience stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 30 minutes
- Your symptoms interfere with work, exercise, or daily life
- You’ve previously injured the joint and pain has returned
“Our goal is to relieve pain and restore mobility without rushing to surgery. We start with the most effective conservative treatments and tailor each plan to the patient’s lifestyle and long-term goals.”
— Dr. Leon Popovitz, MD, Orthopedic Specialist, New York Bone & Joint Specialists Co-Founder
Our Diagnosis Process
At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, your arthritis evaluation may include:
- Medical History & Physical Exam: We assess your symptoms, mobility, and joint alignment.
- Imaging: X-rays to check for cartilage loss or bone spurs; MRI for soft tissue evaluation.
- Lab Tests: Blood work to check for markers of autoimmune arthritis, such as rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-CCP antibodies.
Arthritis & Osteoarthritis Treatment Options
We promote conservative treatment options when dealing with arthritis. Though there is no cure for the disease, we can help alleviate painful symptoms and build strength and flexibility in the joints. Our arthritis specialists will work with you on a treatment plan that targets the root causes and uniqueness of your arthritis experience.
Here’s what they may suggest.
Conservative Treatments:
- Arthritis medications: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), acetaminophen, corticosteroids
- Topical pain relievers: Creams and gels for targeted relief
- Physical therapy: Improves strength, flexibility, and function
- Joint injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to relieve pain
- Weight management: Reducing joint stress through a healthy weight
- Activity modification: Low-impact exercise like swimming or biking
- Assistive devices: Braces, orthotics, canes to support mobility
Advanced Therapies:
In some severe cases, we may suggest further treatment options. Some of these may take the form of regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine techniques, like PRP therapy, jumpstart the body’s natural healing processes to curb the degenerative effects of long-term arthritis.
- PRP injections: Platelet-rich plasma to promote joint healing
- Regenerative medicine: Where applicable, stem cell-based therapies
- Custom rehab programs: Tailored to your activity level and joint condition
Surgical Treatments (if conservative methods fail):
Surgical treatment can also be an option to repair extensive damage to the joints. Our specialists are well-experienced in performing basic surgeries to alleviate arthritis.
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive joint repair
- Osteotomy: Realigning bones to reduce pressure on the joint
- Joint replacement: For advanced cases involving hips, knees, or shoulders
Arthritis Management at Home
Managing arthritis effectively often requires a proactive approach outside of the clinic. Stretching and strengthening exercises done at home can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Low-impact physical activities such as yoga, swimming, or walking are ideal for keeping joints mobile without adding extra stress.
It’s good practice to focus on your posture and ergonomics during daily activities. Invest in a supportive chair or standing desk if you work on a computer, or practice proper form when lifting if your job requires more physical activity.
During flare-ups, hot and cold therapy can help to reduce pain and swelling. This involves using a warm compress, like a hot water bottle, or an ice pack to help reduce difficult symptoms.
Following the advice of your physical therapist and staying consistent with your home care routine will support long-term joint health and mobility.
Why Choose New York Bone & Joint Specialists?
At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, we take a patient-first approach to arthritis care. Our board-certified orthopedic and arthritis doctors have decades of experience diagnosing and treating joint conditions, using both conservative and surgical methods when appropriate. We are committed to personalized care that prioritizes long-term wellness and mobility. With convenient locations across NYC and acceptance of most major insurance plans, our practice is built around making expert orthopedic care accessible to all New Yorkers. Whether you’re managing early-stage arthritis or need advanced joint treatment, we’re here to help you move with confidence.
Book Your Appointment Today
Start moving pain-free. Schedule a consultation with an arthritis doctor at New York Bone & Joint Specialists.
Arthritis & Osteoarthritis: FAQs
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition due to wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. They differ in cause, symptoms, and treatment.
What are the most effective arthritis medications?
NSAIDs, acetaminophen, corticosteroid injections, and in some cases, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis.
Do I need an arthritis specialist?
Yes. Specialists provide targeted treatment plans based on your type and severity of arthritis to ensure optimal recovery.
How is osteoarthritis treated without surgery?
Most patients improve with physical therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and joint injections.
How can I prevent arthritis or slow its progression?
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay active with low-impact exercises
- Avoid joint overuse
- Get early treatment for injuries
How do I find a good arthritis doctor near me?
Finding the right arthritis doctor starts with looking for board-certified specialists in orthopedics or rheumatology who have experience treating your specific condition—whether it’s osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of joint inflammation. Look for physicians who:
- Are affiliated with reputable clinics or hospital systems
- Offer both conservative and advanced treatment options
- Provide personalized, patient-first care
- Have positive patient reviews and transparent outcomes
- Accept your insurance or offer flexible payment options
At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, our arthritis doctors are leaders in non-surgical and surgical joint care. With multiple convenient locations throughout NYC and a collaborative team of specialists, we make it easy to get expert treatment close to home.
