Arthritis Specialist

Arthritis is common, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Athletes and active individuals may also develop arthritis following a joint-related sports injury. At Primary Care Sports Medicine in Agoura Hills, California, Nina Yaftali, DO, offers non-operative management for arthritis, helping patients get relief from joint pain and back to their active lifestyle. For help managing arthritis, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical term that describes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. If you have joint pain or difficulty moving a joint, then you might have arthritis.

A joint is where two or more bones meet, like at your knee or shoulder. Joints keep your body mobile, allowing you to run, jump, and throw. Arthritis in a joint affects its mobility. 

Over time, the ongoing inflammation from arthritis may cause permanent joint damage.

What are the types of arthritis?

There are many types of arthritis. Some of the more common types that affect athletes and active people include:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

OA, or degenerative joint disease, is a chronic type of arthritis that causes joint pain and stiffness because of the wearing away of the cartilage that separates the bones of a joint.

Osteoarthritis is common and affects a number of joints, including the shoulders, feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back. Age, occupation, and injuries are all risk factors for osteoarthritis.

Post-traumatic arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops following a joint injury. Athletes with a history of joint injuries or joint trauma are at risk of developing this type of arthritis. 

Unlike OA, post-traumatic arthritis occurs soon after the initial injury and goes away in a few months. However, post-traumatic arthritis can turn into a chronic condition.

What happens during an arthritis evaluation?

Dr. Yaftali takes a patient-centered approach to care at Primary Care Sports Medicine. The specifics of your arthritis evaluation depend on the affected joint, severity of symptoms, usual level of activity, and your ultimate goals.

Dr. Yaftali reviews your symptoms, medical history, and daily workout routine and performs a physical exam, paying close attention to the painful joint. She may request X-rays or diagnostic ultrasound imaging to examine the joint and determine the severity of your arthritis. 

What are some non-operative treatments for arthritis?

Dr. Yaftali customizes your arthritis treatment plan so you get the best possible outcomes. Her goal is to ease your pain, improve your mobility, and prevent or delay further joint damage.

Non-operative treatments for arthritis include:

• Weight management
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections
• Ultrasound-guided viscosupplementation
• Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Assistive devices

At Primary Care Sports Medicine, Dr. Yaftali talks to you about your arthritis and the treatments that can help. Then, together, you decide how you want to proceed. 

For non-operative arthritis care, call Primary Care Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.