No matter a person’s actual age, everyone ages at a different rate. This is chronological age vs. biological age. We all know someone who appears younger or older than they really are. Maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I feel so old!” as your joints snap, crackle, and pop.

The good news is that arthritis pain does not have to control your life. From lifestyle changes and physical therapy to advanced treatments and surgery, there are more options than ever to help you move better and feel better.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is joint pain or joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is often tender to the touch and painful when the joint is moved or when weight is placed on it, such as when standing. The two most common types are osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear on the cartilage over time, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that attacks the joint lining. Both typically worsen with age. Arthritis is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam and imaging, such as X-rays or MRI, to assess the condition of the bone and soft tissues.

When arthritis affects weight-bearing joints, especially the knees, hips, ankles, and feet, it can make everyday activities difficult. Walking, climbing stairs, kneeling, grooming, housework, and social activities all become harder. These are things that people without arthritis often take for granted.

Managing Arthritis Pain Without Surgery

Many people manage arthritis effectively for years with non-surgical treatments. Your doctor and care team at Glacial Ridge can help you find the right combination:

• Lifestyle changes — Regular low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling can reduce stiffness and strengthen the muscles that support your joints. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
• Medication — Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy — A physical therapist can design an exercise program to strengthen muscles around the affected joint, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. Glacial Ridge’s therapy services team provides personalized rehabilitation plans.
• Injections — Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from pain and swelling in the affected joint.
• COOLIEF® — For chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, COOLIEF cooled radiofrequency treatment is a minimally invasive option that can provide lasting pain relief without surgery.

When Surgery May Be the Next Step

When non-surgical treatments are no longer providing adequate relief and arthritis pain is significantly limiting your quality of life, it may be time to talk with an orthopedic surgeon about your options.

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joshua Thomas offers a range of surgical treatments for arthritis at Glacial Ridge, from arthroscopy to complete joint replacement. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, joint replacement surgery is successful in more than nine out of ten patients, resulting in significant improvement in everyday activities.

Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement: A New Option at Glacial Ridge

For patients with knee arthritis who need a total knee replacement, Glacial Ridge now offers robotic-assisted surgery using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution from Johnson & Johnson MedTech. This advanced technology helps Dr. Thomas create a surgical plan personalized to your unique knee anatomy, with real-time precision guidance during the procedure — and no pre-operative CT scan is required.

Learn more about robotic-assisted knee replacement at Glacial Ridge.

Take the First Step

Whether you’re looking for ways to manage arthritis pain or exploring whether surgery might be right for you, the orthopedic team at Glacial Ridge is here to help. Every treatment plan starts with a conversation about your symptoms, your goals, and what matters most to you.

Learn more about Dr. Thomas’ orthopedic services at Glacial Ridge Health System.