Arthritis Pain Management in San Antonio, TX

No one should have to live in constant pain. That’s why Spine Center of Texas takes a patient-first approach by offering non-invasive solutions for arthritis relief so that you can go about your daily life more comfortably. Our licensed arthritis specialists in San Antonio have been helping people for over 12 years with all types of arthritis pain. We always begin with the least invasive treatment options and recommend surgery only when absolutely necessary. Whether your arthritis pain is mild or life-limiting, our team will design a personalized plan to help you find relief.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, and symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe daily limitations. Some patients experience pain in nearly all of their joints, while others may only notice symptoms in specific areas. The most common flare-ups occur in the spine, hands and wrists, knees, hips, feet, and ankles.

Typical symptoms include:

Stiffness
Swelling
Limited motion
Joint tenderness
Fatigue

If these joint pain symptoms last longer than a week and begin to interfere with daily activities, consider seeing one of our specialists.

What Causes Arthritis

Arthritis is not a single condition but a group of disorders that damage the joints. The causes vary depending on the type:

Wear and tear over time can lead to osteoarthritis.
Autoimmune responses cause rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks joint tissue.
Genetic factors and skin conditions may contribute to psoriatic arthritis.
Metabolic changes and excess uric acid can trigger gout.

Other risk factors include aging, family history, obesity, previous injuries, and certain lifestyle choices.

Types of Arthritis

There isn’t just one kind of arthritis. In fact, more than 100 different forms exist, but a few are far more common than others. Understanding which type you have is the first step toward improving your quality of life.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form, also known as “wear-and-tear arthritis.” It develops when the cartilage that cushions your joints gradually breaks down, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. This type often affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, but can also appear in the hands and fingers. Symptoms usually progress slowly and may worsen after activity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This leads to chronic inflammation that can damage the joints over time and may also affect other parts of the body. It most commonly appears in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age and often progresses more quickly.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is linked to psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. It can affect any joint but frequently targets the fingers, toes, and spine. A hallmark sign is swelling of entire fingers or toes, sometimes referred to as “sausage digits.” Because psoriatic arthritis varies widely in severity, personalized treatment is especially important.

Gout

Gout occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, triggering sudden and intense pain episodes known as flare-ups. It most often affects the big toe but can also involve the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. Flare-ups may be influenced by diet, dehydration, or metabolic factors, and can quickly appear, sometimes overnight.

Arthritis Treatments

Managing arthritis usually involves a combination of at-home strategies and professional care.

At-Home Relief

For mild symptoms, certain lifestyle adjustments may help reduce pain and stiffness. Staying active with low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can keep joints flexible and strong. Applying heat or cold packs may provide soothing relief, while stretching and range-of-motion exercises help maintain mobility. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also be effective, though it’s important to consult a doctor before using them. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight reduces unnecessary pressure on the joints and can make daily movement easier.

Professional Treatments

When at-home care isn’t enough, our specialists offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs. Prescription medications, typically non-steroidal and non-opioid when possible, may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation. Physical therapy can improve mobility and strengthen the muscles that support your joints. For targeted relief, intra-articular injections may be used in the knees, hips, or shoulders. In cases of persistent pain, nerve-blocking procedures or radiofrequency ablation may be effective. For severe or advanced conditions, surgical options such as joint replacement are also available.

Questions About Arthritis

Is arthritis a temporary or permanent condition?

Most forms of arthritis are chronic, meaning they don’t go away completely. However, with the right treatment, many patients successfully manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.

Is there oral medication I can take for this?

Yes. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories are often a first step, and doctors may prescribe additional non-opioid or disease-modifying medications depending on the type of arthritis.

Does everyone get arthritis when they get older?

Not everyone develops arthritis, but the risk does increase with age. Genetics, lifestyle, and prior injuries also play a big role in whether or not arthritis develops.

How to prevent arthritis?

While some risk factors like age and genetics can’t be changed, you can reduce your risk by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding joint injuries, and managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Will my insurance cover this?

Coverage varies depending on your plan and the treatments recommended. Spine Center of Texas accepts all major insurance providers and can help you confirm your benefits before starting care.

Our Process

Ready to see what we can do to help? Here’s what to expect when you partner with us for arthritis relief:

1. Schedule your appointment — Call us or use our online form.

2. Evaluation — We’ll assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan.

3. Ongoing support — We’ll monitor your progress with follow-ups. If you improve, we’ll step back until you need us again. If symptoms worsen, we’ll re-evaluate and adjust your plan.

Insurance and Payment

We accept all major insurance plans; however, coverage for arthritis treatments may vary. Our team will verify your benefits so you know what to expect. If you prefer flexible payment options, our secure patient portal allows you to track your balance and pay on a schedule that works for you.

Contact Spine Center of Texas

Reclaim your life by having Spine Center of Texas relieve your arthritis pain. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, reach out today.