Arthritis can cause persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with movement. It can affect everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or simply getting up and moving comfortably.
Dr. Rahul Modi provides comprehensive orthopaedic assessment and treatment for arthritis, with care focused on understanding the condition, relieving symptoms, preserving joint function, and choosing the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
Arthritis refers to conditions that affect the joints and may lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement. The severity and progression can vary from one person to another, and treatment depends on the type and extent of joint involvement.
A detailed orthopaedic evaluation helps identify the condition affecting the joint and determine whether non-surgical care, joint-preserving treatment, or surgery may be appropriate.
Different forms of arthritis can affect the joints in different ways. Commonly encountered conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Arthritis following previous joint injury
- Advanced joint degeneration
- Arthritis affecting the knee
- Arthritis affecting the hip
- Other degenerative joint conditions
Arthritis can develop gradually and may become more noticeable over time. Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling or tenderness
- Reduced range of movement
- Pain while walking or standing
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Difficulty with daily activities
- Reduced ability to stay active
Joint degeneration and arthritis can develop for different reasons. Factors that may contribute to joint problems include:
- Age-related joint wear
- Previous joint injuries
- Repeated stress on a joint
- Previous fractures or trauma
- Joint alignment problems
- Previous ligament or cartilage injury
- Long-standing joint conditions
- Progressive joint degeneration
Arthritis is assessed through your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging. X-rays and other investigations may be recommended when needed to understand the condition and extent of joint damage.
Your treatment plan is based on the joint involved, severity of symptoms, level of joint damage, mobility, activity requirements, and response to previous treatment.
Many patients can initially be managed with non-surgical measures. Depending on the condition, treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Physiotherapy and strengthening
- Weight management when appropriate
- Pain management
- Mobility and flexibility exercises
- Lifestyle modifications
- Supportive measures
- Regular clinical follow-up
When arthritis becomes severe and significantly affects quality of life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, surgical options may be considered. Depending on the joint and condition, this may include joint-preserving procedures or joint replacement.
Dr. Modi's orthopaedic training includes exposure to knee and hip arthroplasty, as well as arthroscopy and other joint-related procedures.
Knee arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking or using stairs. Treatment depends on the severity of joint damage and may range from conservative care to knee replacement when clinically appropriate.
Hip arthritis may cause pain around the hip or groin, stiffness, and difficulty walking or performing everyday activities. When the joint is severely damaged, hip replacement may be considered after a detailed assessment.
Joint replacement may be discussed when arthritis causes significant pain and functional limitations and appropriate non-surgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief.
- Persistent or severe joint pain
- Pain affecting daily activities
- Significant joint damage
- Increasing stiffness
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Reduced joint movement
- Reduced ability to stay active
- Limited improvement with non-surgical care
Managing arthritis is often a long-term process. Appropriate exercise, maintaining mobility, following a personalized treatment plan, and addressing symptoms early can help you remain active and manage the impact of joint problems on daily life.
If surgery becomes necessary, structured rehabilitation is an important part of recovery and helps restore strength, movement, and function after the procedure.
Consider an orthopaedic evaluation if joint symptoms are persistent or begin affecting your mobility and everyday activities.
- Persistent joint pain
- Increasing stiffness
- Recurrent swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty using stairs
- Reduced joint movement
- Pain affecting daily activities
- Symptoms that continue despite treatment
What is arthritis?
Arthritis refers to conditions that affect the joints and can cause pain, stiffness,
swelling, and reduced movement.
Can arthritis be treated without surgery?
Many patients can initially be managed with non-surgical treatment such as exercise,
physiotherapy, activity modification, and appropriate pain management. Treatment depends
on the type and severity of arthritis.
Does arthritis always require joint replacement?
No. Joint replacement is generally considered only when joint damage is advanced and
symptoms significantly affect daily life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Can exercise help with arthritis?
Appropriate exercise and physiotherapy can help maintain joint movement, muscle strength,
and overall function. The type and intensity of exercise should be suited to your condition.
When should I see an orthopaedic specialist?
Consider an evaluation if joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced movement persists
or begins to interfere with walking, work, exercise, or daily activities.
Don't let joint pain gradually limit your everyday life. Consult Dr. Rahul Modi for a detailed assessment and a personalized treatment plan for your arthritis.