Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation or degeneration of a joint. Osteoarthritis — the wear-related breakdown of cartilage — is by far the most common form and frequently affects the knees, hips, shoulders, hands, and the facet joints of the spine. Symptoms include aching pain, stiffness that's worst after rest, swelling, and gradually shrinking range of motion.

How can a pain specialist help my arthritis?

While there's no cure for osteoarthritis, the pain it causes is very treatable. Interventional options act directly at the painful joint rather than relying on systemic medication alone — an important advantage for patients who can't tolerate long-term anti-inflammatory drugs.

What treatments are available?

Depending on the joint and severity, Dr. Eaddy may recommend image-guided corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation (gel injections) for knee osteoarthritis, and radiofrequency ablation of the small sensory nerves that carry pain from a joint — including genicular nerve ablation for knees and medial branch ablation for spinal facet arthritis. These can provide months of relief and are repeatable. The goal is always the same: less pain, more function, and staying active, since movement itself protects arthritic joints.

How long does relief from arthritis injections last?

It varies with the joint, the severity of arthritis, and the treatment used. Corticosteroid injections often provide weeks to months of relief, and radiofrequency ablation of a joint's sensory nerves typically lasts longer — often six months to a year — and can be repeated when the nerves regrow. Dr. Eaddy will discuss what to expect based on your diagnosis and medical history.

How is arthritis pain diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with the location and pattern of pain, a joint and neurologic examination, and review of X-rays or other imaging when appropriate. Imaging can show arthritis but does not always prove that it is the main pain source. Diagnostic joint or nerve blocks may be used selectively before longer-lasting treatment.

Who is a candidate for interventional arthritis care?

Candidates generally have pain and functional limits from a specific arthritic joint despite appropriate exercise, physical therapy, activity changes, or medication. A procedure should match the confirmed pain source. Some patients are better served by continued rehabilitation, rheumatology care, or joint-replacement evaluation.

What are the risks and side effects of treatment?

Joint injections can cause temporary soreness, bleeding, infection, medication reaction, cartilage concerns with repeated steroid exposure, or a temporary rise in blood sugar. Radiofrequency ablation may cause bruising, numbness, or temporary neuritis. Serious complications are uncommon, and treatment frequency is individualized.

Does insurance or Medicare cover arthritis pain treatment?

Medicare and many insurers cover medically necessary evaluation and selected injections or nerve procedures when the diagnosis and prior-treatment requirements are documented. Coverage differs by joint and procedure, and some therapies may be excluded. The office checks benefits and authorization requirements before scheduling.

Before your visit

The questions above cover symptoms, diagnosis, candidacy, available treatments, expected duration, risks, and insurance. Recommendations depend on the joint involved, the severity of arthritis, and your overall health and activity goals.

Trusted resources

Learn more about arthritis from these independent medical sources:

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) — Arthritis
• MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) — Osteoarthritis
• American College of Rheumatology — Osteoarthritis

Related care

Conditions and treatments connected to this page, all provided by Dr. Eaddy:

• Radiofrequency Ablation — longer-lasting relief for facet, sacroiliac, and knee arthritis pain
• Back Pain — targeted diagnosis and treatment for low back pain
• Neck Pain — relief for cervical pain, stiffness, and nerve symptoms

Medically reviewed by Kenneth J. Eaddy, MD · Last reviewed: July 29, 2026