Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage (cushioning soft tissue in your joints) wears down over time. The thickness of this cartilage layer wears down and becomes thinner. Over time, the thinning of cartilage can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It develops over the years and can affect a variety of ages and joints in the body. The pain associated with osteoarthritis can present suddenly and be associated with injury. Osteoarthritis can present suddenly and be associated with injury. Osteoarthritis can cause mild up to severe pain. Our providers will work with you to accurately diagnose this issue, and provide recommendations and treatments for your symptoms, including making lifestyle changes when appropriate. Common treatments for osteoarthritis include medications, physical therapy, and injections.
Chronic TendinopathyÂ
Chronic tendinopathy is a long-term condition where a tendon has been inflamed which ultimately causes pain. Chronic tendinopathy is not caused by an acute injury but is typically due to overuse. However, chronic tendinopathy can contribute to or be affected by an acute injury. There are multiple ways to evaluate for chronic tendinopathy including the patient history, physical examination, and imaging. Imaging tests to evaluate for chronic tendinopathy can be done using x-rays, ultrasound, and MRI, depending on the specific tendon involved. Common treatments for chronic tendinopathy include medications, physical therapy, activity modifications, injections, and potentially surgery.
Plantar FasciitisÂ
Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. This occurs when the thick band of soft tissue that attaches to the bottom part of your heel bone, the plantar fascia, gets inflamed. This causes stabbing pain with putting weight on the heel of the foot, especially first thing in the morning. Plantar Fasciitis can be acute or chronic. Plantar Fasciitis can be a difficult problem to resolve, but can be treated with the use of medications, physical therapy, shoe inserts, and in some cases, injections.Â
Apophysitis (growth plate inflammation)
Apophysitis is inflammation of a growth plate in children and adolescents. It is typically caused by repetitive movements that put pressure on the affected body part. This inflammation can happen in many locations throughout the body but the most common are of the front of the knee, Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease, and of the heel, Sever’s Disease. This condition does not affect bone growth at the growth plate but will continue to cause pain if not treated. The primary treatments for this condition is rest from activities until pain is improved, as well as physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the associated tendons/muscles to take pressure off the growth plate.
