Arthritis Treatment in Dickinson, TX
Arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility that affect your strength and daily activities. At Wellness First Medical Center, we offer evidence-based, non-surgical treatment options designed to reduce pain, restore joint function, and help you return to normal movement without surgery or long-term opioid use.
What Causes Arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term for more than 100 conditions that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It can develop for several reasons, depending on the type:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Caused by joint wear and tear from overuse or aging, and most common in adults over 50.
- Autoimmune arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
- Gout: Results from uric acid crystal buildup in the joints.
- Genetic factors: Some types, such as ankylosing spondylitis, are linked to specific genetic markers such as HLA-B27.
- Other factors: Previous injuries, excess body weight, and muscle weakness can all contribute.
Some types of arthritis have no known cause, which is why a thorough evaluation is so important.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
- Joint pain and tenderness
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling, warmth, or redness around the joint
- Reduced range of motion and grip strength
- Difficulty with walking, climbing stairs, or daily tasks
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?
At Wellness First Medical Center, we perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
- A review of your medical history
- A physical examination of the affected joints
- Laboratory tests, which may include:
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA): checks antibody levels
- Complete blood count (CBC): evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets
- Creatinine: screens kidney function
- Sedimentation rate: detects inflammation
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) and CCP antibodies: assess for rheumatoid arthritis
- Uric acid: used to help diagnose gout
Identifying the type of arthritis allows our team to recommend the most effective, personalized plan.
How Is Arthritis Treated?
Treatment depends on your symptoms, age, overall health, type of arthritis, and severity. Our medical team develops customized care plans to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life, without the need for surgery or long-term opioid use. Depending on your needs, your plan may include:
- Joint injections to reduce pain and inflammation inside the joint
- Functional medicine to evaluate inflammatory and metabolic factors
- Physical rehabilitation to strengthen supporting muscles and protect the joint
- Therapeutic ultrasound and electric muscle stimulation to calm pain and stiffness
- Gentle chiropractic care to improve joint motion
When needed, our team can also coordinate with specialists such as orthopedists, rheumatologists, and primary care physicians so your care stays connected.
Related Conditions
Arthritis often overlaps with joint pain, hip and knee pain, inflammation, and neck pain.
When Should You Contact a Healthcare Provider?
Reach out to us if your symptoms worsen, change, or if new symptoms appear. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and ensures the most effective treatment. We help patients with arthritis from Dickinson, League City, Texas City, La Marque, Galveston, Friendswood, and nearby communities.
Arthritis FAQs
What are the most common types of arthritis?
The most common types are osteoarthritis, which results from joint wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition. Gout and other inflammatory types are also common.
Can arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients find meaningful relief with non-surgical care such as joint injections, rehabilitation, and supportive therapies.
How is arthritis diagnosed at your clinic?
We combine your medical history, a physical exam, and laboratory tests such as ANA, CBC, sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, CCP antibodies, and uric acid.
Does exercise help arthritis?
Yes. Targeted strengthening and flexibility exercises support the joints and can reduce pain and stiffness. Our rehabilitation program is tailored to your condition.
Can arthritis affect the spine?
Yes. Arthritis can affect the spinal joints and contribute to back pain and neck pain.
When should I see a provider for arthritis?
Schedule an evaluation if joint pain, swelling, or stiffness persists, worsens, or begins to limit your daily activities.
Do you treat arthritis patients near Texas City and League City?
Yes. Wellness First Medical Center in Dickinson, TX treats arthritis patients from Texas City, League City, La Marque, and the surrounding area.
Start Your Personalized Arthritis Care
Do not let arthritis limit your life. Call Wellness First Medical Center at (281) 337-3337 or request an appointment online to schedule your diagnostic evaluation.