Arthritis

Nathan Moore, DO Our Services Arthritis
Nathan Moore, DO - - Orthopedic Surgeon

Nathan Moore, DO

Orthopedic Surgeon located in West Phoenix, AZ

Most people associate arthritis with aging, yet it’s the top cause of disability among Americans aged 15 and older, and more than half are younger than 65. Seeking early treatment from an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Nate Moore, DO, in Peoria, Arizona, can diminish your pain, help you retain optimal mobility, and keep you healthy and active. Many patients see Dr. Moore when arthritis causes acute or chronic knee pain, but he treats all types of arthritis, beginning with conservative therapies before considering surgery. To get relief from arthritis pain, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Arthritis Q & A

What types of arthritis do orthopedic surgeons treat?

Dr. Moore treats every type of arthritis, which encompasses more than 100 different conditions. Of all the different types, however, the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that develops over years of wear and tear and gradually breaks down the articular cartilage. As the cartilage wears away, bone is exposed, and the bones rub together when you move the joint.

You can develop osteoarthritis in any joint, but it most often develops in large, weight-bearing joints such as your knees and hips.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that develops when your immune system attacks the synovium, a membrane that lines your joints. As a result, the synovial tissues become inflamed. Over time, the inflammation erodes the bone and causes joint deformities.

Rheumatoid arthritis first appears in small joints such as those in your fingers and toes. Then the inflammation may spread to other joints and tissues throughout your body, including your skin, lungs, eye, and blood vessels.

What symptoms will I develop due to arthritis?

Most types of arthritis cause symptoms such as:

  • Joint pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Inflammation
  • Swelling

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid also cause morning stiffness.

How do orthopedic surgeons treat arthritis?

Dr. Moore offers comprehensive care for arthritis. During your initial consultation, he reviews your medical history and symptoms and completes a thorough physical examination.

Then Dr. Moore develops a treatment plan that focuses on relieving your pain, maintaining or improving joint movement, and minimizing disease progression.

Your treatment begins with conservative options such as physical therapy and oral medications or steroid injections to reduce the inflammation. Patients with osteoarthritis may find pain relief and improved movement with hyaluronic acid injections.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it’s essential to start taking advanced disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARDs help to keep your disease in remission and slow down joint damage.

When your pain persists despite conservative treatments, you can’t use the joint, or your joint damage becomes severe, Dr. Moore talks with you about a partial or total joint replacement.

Dr. Moore has years of experience performing minimally invasive joint replacements whenever possible. He uses today’s most advanced technology, including robotic-assisted joint replacements that allow precise surgery and preserve more healthy bone.

If you suffer from joint pain and stiffness, call Nate Moore, DO, or schedule an appointment online today.