Arthritis is a general term used for conditions that affect the joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and changes in how comfortably a joint moves.
Some types of arthritis are related to wear and tear in the joint. Others are connected to inflammation, autoimmune conditions, injury, or changes in the tissues around the joint. Because arthritis can affect people in different ways, a proper assessment can help determine what type of support or treatment may be helpful.
DeNova Health assesses joint pain, movement, and daily function to help patients find practical ways to manage symptoms, reduce pressure on affected joints, and stay as active as possible.
What You Might Be Feeling
Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the joint involved and the type of arthritis present. Common concerns may include:
- Joint pain: The joint may ache, feel sore, or become more painful with movement or weight-bearing.
- Stiffness: Movement may feel limited, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting.
- Swelling or warmth: The joint may look puffy, feel tender, or become irritated after activity.
- Reduced mobility: Bending, walking, gripping, climbing stairs, or daily tasks may become harder.
- Flare-ups: Symptoms may come and go, with some days feeling worse than others.
Why It May Be Happening
Arthritis is not always caused by one single issue. It can be related to joint wear, inflammation, injury, or other health factors.
- Joint wear and tear: Cartilage can break down over time, causing bones and joint surfaces to move less smoothly.
- Inflammation: Some forms of arthritis involve ongoing inflammation inside or around the joint.
- Previous injury: Sprains, fractures, or joint trauma can increase stress on a joint later in life.
- Foot or body mechanics: The way you stand, walk, or load a joint can add pressure over time.
- Autoimmune conditions: In some types of arthritis, the immune system affects the body's own joint tissues.
How DeNova Health Approaches Arthritis Care
The goal is to reduce irritation, improve support, protect the joint where possible, and help you keep moving safely. Depending on your symptoms and the joint involved, care may include:
- Assessment and movement review: A clinical review can help identify how the joint is moving and what may be contributing to pain.
- Custom orthotics, shoes and braces: Supportive devices may help reduce pressure, improve alignment, and make walking or standing more comfortable.
- Physical therapy and exercise training: Guided movement can help improve strength, flexibility, balance, and joint function.
- Injection therapies: Options such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid and platelet rich plasma (PRP) with ultrasound guidance may be discussed. Surgical options may be discussed when appropriate.
- Therapy-based treatments: Laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, TENS, or shockwave therapy may be considered when appropriate for pain management or surrounding tissue irritation.
Surgical options may be discussed when appropriate.
When It's Worth Booking an Appointment
You should consider booking an assessment if arthritis symptoms are affecting your comfort, mobility, or daily routine.
- Pain is limiting activity: Walking, stairs, work, exercise, or household tasks are becoming harder.
- Stiffness is not improving: A joint feels tight, restricted, or difficult to move after rest or activity.
- Swelling keeps returning: The joint becomes puffy, warm, or irritated more than once.
- You are changing how you move: You start limping, favouring one side, avoiding stairs, or putting less weight through the joint.
- Symptoms are becoming more frequent: Pain or stiffness is lasting longer, flaring more often, or interfering with your regular routine.
Get Assessed at DeNova Health
If joint pain, stiffness, or swelling is affecting how you move, DeNova Health can help assess what may be contributing to your symptoms and review treatment options that fit your needs.
Book an appointment at DeNova Health in Hamilton to have your joint pain assessed and discuss a care plan focused on comfort, mobility, and daily function.