Arthritis Treatment: Pain Relief & Joint Health Restoration

Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that affects joint function, mobility, and overall quality of life. At Core Sports in Princeton Junction, NJ, we offer advanced arthritis treatment tailored to athletes, active individuals, and anyone experiencing chronic joint pain. Our expert team focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring joint health so you can stay active and pain-free.

Understanding Arthritis & Its Impact

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can affect athletes and active individuals due to repetitive stress, aging, or previous injuries. The most common types of arthritis include:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): Also known as degenerative joint disease, OA occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joint tissues, causing chronic inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible joint deterioration.
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis develops after an injury such as a fracture, ligament tear, or joint dislocation. Even after the injury heals, residual inflammation and instability can lead to arthritis years later.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: Associated with psoriasis, this inflammatory condition affects the joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain that can interfere with daily activities.
  • Gout: Caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, gout leads to sudden, severe pain, often affecting the big toe but also impacting other joints.

Ignoring arthritis symptoms can lead to decreased joint function, reduced performance, and long-term disability. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing symptoms and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Our Approach to Arthritis Treatment

  • At Core Sports, we take a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to arthritis treatment, addressing both pain relief and long-term joint health:

    1. Comprehensive Diagnosis: Our evaluations include a detailed medical history, movement assessments to determine the severity of arthritis and the most effective treatment plan.
    2. Pain Management & Inflammation Reduction: We use a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, cold therapy, and soft tissue mobilization to relieve pain and swelling.
    3. Physical Therapy & Strength Training: A structured rehabilitation program focuses on improving joint stability, muscle strength, and flexibility to minimize stress on affected joints.
    4. Regenerative Medicine & Joint Preservation: Advanced treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and viscosupplementation help protect joint cartilage, stimulate tissue healing, and slow disease progression.
    5. Lifestyle Modifications & Preventive Strategies: We provide guidance on nutrition, weight management, and movement adjustments to slow arthritis progression and maintain mobility.
    6. Customized Exercise & Mobility Programs: Tailored stretching and strengthening exercises ensure long-term joint function and prevent further deterioration.
    7. Long-Term Monitoring & Ongoing Care: Arthritis is a progressive condition that requires continuous management. We offer routine check-ups and treatment modifications as needed to keep you feeling your best.

Advanced Treatments for Arthritis Relief

  • At Core Sports, we incorporate cutting-edge treatments to enhance arthritis management and joint function:

    • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A regenerative treatment using the body’s own healing factors to reduce inflammation and promote cartilage repair.
    • Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections: Lubricates and cushions joints to improve movement and reduce pain.
    • Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that stimulates blood flow and promotes healing in affected joints.
    • Manual Therapy & Myofascial Release: Hands-on techniques to relieve stiffness, improve joint range of motion, and reduce tension in surrounding muscles.
    • Assistive Bracing & Orthotics: Supportive devices that help stabilize joints, reduce stress, and enhance comfort during activity.

Importance of Exercise & Nutrition in Arthritis Management

Managing arthritis effectively requires a holistic approach that goes beyond clinical treatments. We emphasize:

  • Low-Impact Exercise: Activities like swimming, cycling, and yoga help maintain joint mobility without excessive stress.
  • Strength Training: Strengthening the muscles around affected joints provides additional support and minimizes strain.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Diet: A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis.
  • Weight Management: Excess body weight places additional pressure on joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown. Our specialists provide guidance on maintaining a healthy weight to protect your joints.

Why Choose Core Sports for Arthritis Treatment?

  • Sports Medicine Specialists: Our team has extensive experience treating arthritis in active individuals and athletes, ensuring a functional and performance-focused approach to care.
  • Personalized Care Plans: Every treatment plan is tailored to your lifestyle, sport, and severity of arthritis, ensuring individualized and effective management.
  • State-of-the-Art Therapies: We use the latest medical advancements to provide long-lasting relief and improved joint health.
  • Focus on Long-Term Mobility & Function: Our goal is not just symptom relief but also improving joint health, movement efficiency, and quality of life.
  • Collaborative Approach: We work with orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and nutritionists to create a comprehensive and well-rounded treatment plan.

    Conditions We Take Care Of

    What is a sports medicine physician?

    A sports medicine physician is a fellowship trained physician who specializes in the non-operative treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. As the vast majority of these injuries do not require surgery, sports medicine physicians can help diagnose your condition, guide your treatment, perform procedures to optimize recovery and refer to other providers and practitioners when appropriate. Whether it’s an acute injury like a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle, an issue you’ve had for a while like shoulder tendonitis or arthritis, or you simply do not know where to begin, we, as sports medicine physicians, are here to help you!

    Do I need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor?

    No, you do not need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor. We take care of musculoskeletal conditions in patients of all ages and activity levels, from elite athletes and weekend warriors to those who are looking to stay active or become more active.

    What is a lifestyle medicine physician?

    Lifestyle medicine physicians are board certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and are trained to utilize evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle interventions in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease. A prescriptive and individualized approach, guided by the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine (plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, social connections, and sleep management) helps patients in achieving a healthier lifestyle.

    How does lifestyle medicine fit into sports medicine?

    Lifestyle medicine focuses on preventing and managing chronic diseases through healthy habits, such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep. It integrates exceptionally well with sports medicine by promoting overall well-being and optimizing physical performance.

    Can I use my insurance for office visits?

    In order to remove barriers and improve the quality of healthcare for our patients, CORE Sports Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine does not accept insurance. We have a policy of transparent pricing for our services and you will never receive a surprise bill from our office. We accept payment for your visit at the time of service and will provide you with an itemized receipt which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have out of network benefits. You can check with your insurance company prior to your visit to better understand your out of network benefits.