Arthritis Treatment Specialist in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Arthritis pain and inflammation are caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage or immune system dysfunction, leading to inflammation and discomfort. At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we diagnose and treat arthritis pain using a multi-faceted approach to alleviate symptoms and restore mobility.

The primary cause of arthritis pain is the degeneration of cartilage, which serves as a cushion between the bones in your joints. When this cartilage breaks down due to aging, injury, or repetitive stress, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is largely due to the natural wear and tear of joints over time.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of the joints, causing inflammation and damage to the cartilage and bones. This results in swelling, warmth, and pain that can affect multiple joints. In other forms of arthritis, such as gout and psoriatic arthritis, the inflammation is caused by the accumulation of crystals or abnormal immune responses that affect the joints.

Inflammation occurs as the body’s immune system sends inflammatory cells to the affected area, which triggers pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. In severe cases, these symptoms can lead to permanent joint damage and a loss of function. At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we provide personalized treatments, including medication management, physical therapy, and interventional procedures to control inflammation and relieve pain.

Arthritis can significantly impact daily activities by making simple tasks more challenging. Patients with arthritis often experience difficulty with movements that require flexibility, strength, or coordination. At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we understand the frustration that comes with arthritis and focus on providing effective treatments that help you maintain your independence.

For example, in osteoarthritis, the joints gradually lose their ability to move freely due to cartilage breakdown, causing stiffness and swelling. This makes it difficult to walk, stand for long periods, or even perform simple tasks such as entering and exiting a car or bending over to tie your shoes. Arthritis in the knees, hips, or lower back can be particularly limiting, as these joints play a key role in daily mobility.

In rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and swelling can significantly interfere with work, social activities, and family life. Individuals may struggle with performing household chores, typing on a keyboard, or carrying groceries. For those with arthritis in the hands, fine motor tasks such as buttoning a shirt or gripping a pen may become painful or impossible.

At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we recognize the importance of preserving function and enhancing quality of life for arthritis patients. Our team works with patients to create a personalized plan to manage pain and improve mobility through a combination of treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and minimally invasive interventions like joint injections and nerve blocks.

Early signs of arthritis can often be subtle and may be mistaken for normal aging or activity-related discomfort. The earlier you seek treatment for arthritis, the better your chances of managing symptoms and preventing further damage. At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, Dr. Youssef Josephson, DO helps identify the early signs of arthritis to provide timely interventions that slow the progression of the disease and enhance quality of life.

The most common early symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain: This is typically felt during or after physical activity, although some people may experience pain even while at rest. The pain may start off intermittently but can become persistent if not treated.
• Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity, joints may feel stiff and hard to move. This stiffness can last for a few minutes or up to an hour.
• Swelling: Joints may appear swollen or feel puffy to the touch. This occurs due to inflammation in the joint, which can also make the joint feel warm.
• Reduced range of motion: As arthritis progresses, the affected joint may become more difficult to move, making tasks that require flexibility, such as bending, reaching, or stretching, more difficult.
• Fatigue: Particularly in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic symptoms like fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell can accompany joint pain and stiffness.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional advice from a specialist. Early intervention can help reduce inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve mobility. Dr. Youssef Josephson, DO at Comprehensive Pain Specialists offers thorough diagnostic testing, including blood tests, X-rays, and MRI scans, to confirm the presence of arthritis and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Arthritis can develop at any age, but the risk of developing arthritis increases with age. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, usually begins after the age of 40. This is due to the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, a process that occurs naturally as we age. However, certain lifestyle factors, such as a history of joint injuries or repetitive stress, can accelerate the onset of osteoarthritis in younger individuals.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, typically develops between the ages of 30 and 60, though it can occur at any age, even in children (a condition known as juvenile arthritis). In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation and damage, which can occur more rapidly than the wear-and-tear process in osteoarthritis.

Certain other types of arthritis, such as gout, often develop in middle age or older adults. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that results from the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, typically affecting the big toe. Psoriatic arthritis, associated with psoriasis, can also begin in early adulthood, typically between the ages of 30 and 50.

At Comprehensive Pain Specialists in Wilkes-Barre, Dr. Youssef Josephson, D.O. (affectionately known as “Dr. Joe”) offers a sophisticated, patient-centered approach to managing the debilitating effects of arthritis. Dr. Josephson specializes in identifying the root causes of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spinal arthritis. His philosophy moves beyond temporary fixes, focusing instead on long-term functional restoration and inflammation control.

To help you reclaim an active lifestyle, Dr. Josephson utilizes a diverse toolkit of cutting-edge interventional procedures. Patients have access to advanced treatments such as facet joint injections to block pain at the source, radiofrequency ablation (rhizotomy) for long-lasting relief from nerve-related joint pain, and viscosupplementation to provide vital cushioning for arthritic knees. By integrating these innovative therapies with personalized lifestyle guidance and physical therapy, Dr. Josephson ensures that the residents of the Wyoming Valley receive the highest standard of non-surgical arthritis care.

At Comprehensive Pain Specialists, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for arthritis patients in Wilkes-Barre, PA. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 1177 PA-315, Dolphin Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. We serve patients from Wilkes-Barre PA, Glen Lyon PA, Dallas PA, Pittston PA, Mountain Top PA, Plymouth PA, and surrounding areas.