Arthritis

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation and degeneration of the joints. It is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and reduced mobility, affecting millions of people each year.

While there are many different types of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis, which develops as the protective cartilage within a joint gradually wears down over time.

Arthritis can affect nearly any joint in the body, including the knees, hips, shoulders, hands, feet, neck, and spine. As the condition progresses, joints may become painful, stiff, swollen, and more difficult to move, making everyday activities increasingly challenging.

Although arthritis is often associated with aging, it can also develop due to previous injuries, repetitive stress, genetics, or other underlying health conditions. While arthritis cannot be reversed, many people are able to successfully manage their symptoms and remain active with the right conservative treatment plan.

Because every patient experiences arthritis differently, Dr. Charles Boley performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best approach for managing your pain and improving your function.

Common Symptoms

Patients with arthritis often experience:

 Joint pain or aching.

 Morning stiffness that improves with movement.

 Swelling around the joint.

 Reduced range of motion.

 Pain during or after physical activity.

 Joint tenderness.

 Grinding, clicking, or popping sensations.

 Weakness surrounding the affected joint.

 Difficulty performing everyday activities due to pain or stiffness.

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time without proper management.

What Causes Arthritis?

Several factors may contribute to arthritis, including:

 Natural age-related wear and tear.

 Previous joint injuries.

 Repetitive stress on the joints.

 Genetics or family history.

 Excess body weight.

 Poor joint mechanics.

 Sports injuries.

 Chronic inflammation.

 Autoimmune conditions (depending on the type of arthritis).

Many patients have multiple contributing factors, making an individualized treatment plan especially

important.

How StemWave Therapy May Help

StemWave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic wave technology to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Depending on the individual's condition and overall health, this therapy may help improve circulation, support tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain associated with certain musculoskeletal conditions.

For patients with arthritis, StemWave may be incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan to help reduce discomfort, improve joint mobility, and support an active lifestyle. Treatment recommendations are always based on each patient's specific condition, symptoms, and goals.

Since arthritis affects every patient differently, Dr. Charles Boley performs a thorough evaluation to determine whether StemWave Therapy may be an appropriate option as part of your personalized care plan.