Arthritis Treatment in Sugar Land

Arthritis is the general term used to describe joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most commonly diagnosed types of arthritis. Affecting mostly people over 50, osteoarthritis involves the degradation of joint cartilage that causes bones to scrape against each other during movement. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when the immune system starts attacking joints for unknown reasons. Since RA is an autoimmune disorder unrelated to aging, it can affect adults of any age.

Risk Factors for Arthritis​

• The strongest risk factor for arthritis is age. However, young adults can develop arthritis if they suffer a traumatic or repetitive sports injury to joints.
• More men than women suffer from osteoarthritis before age 40. Interestingly, arthritis affects more women after the age of 45 than men. This is likely due to men already being diagnosed with arthritis and the aging factor impacting women.
• Repeated injury to the knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip joints significantly increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Athletes and people with rigorously physical jobs are especially prone to OA.
• The joints of overweight individuals endure more stress than the joints of non-overweight individuals. Knee arthritis is commonly diagnosed in people who are obese.
• Inheriting a genetic defect that interferes with cartilage creation could raise a person's risk for arthritis

Our Approach to Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment

At Hogan Spine and Rehabilitation Centers, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to non-surgical arthritis treatment. Our goal is to provide our patients with the most effective and least invasive treatments possible to relieve their arthritis symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Our approach to non-surgical arthritis treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation process. This includes a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and imaging tests to accurately diagnose the type and extent of arthritis. Our team of specialists will then work with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs and goals.

We offer a variety of non-surgical treatment modalities for arthritis, including:

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care for arthritis typically involves a combination of manual therapies, such as spinal manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and therapeutic exercises. Spinal manipulation involves the chiropractor using their hands or a specialized tool to apply controlled pressure to the joints of the spine, which can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and alleviate pressure on the nerves.

Decompression Therapy

Another non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis we provide at Hogan Spine & Rehab is decompression therapy. A popular chiropractic technique that encourages your body's natural ability to heal itself, decompression therapy involves gently stretching the spine to remove nerve compression, facilitate blood flow throughout the body, and optimize the functioning of the nervous system. People with arthritic knees, hands, shoulders, or hips also benefit from decompression therapy by eliminating the possibility of nerve compression worsening inflammation and pain.

MLS Laser Therapy

Hogan Spine & Rehab uses MLS laser therapy to relieve painful symptoms of arthritis. Our chiropractic arthritis doctor recommends this safe and effective non-surgical treatment for people with joint pain, stiffness, and swelling attributed to osteoarthritis or other joint cartilage deterioration disorder. MLS Laser therapy works to reduce inflammation and improve cartilage health by stimulating cellular metabolism and new tissue growth. During laser treatment for arthritis, our laser beams photons (electromagnetic energy particles) directly at your arthritic joint. Photons immediately reach underlying joint tissues where laser energy is absorbed by cells. By converting laser energy into chemical energy, cells become rejuvenated, blood flow increases to inflamed joints and swelling decreases to improve joint flexibility.

No anesthesia is needed to have laser treatment. It is a painless procedure that you undergo in our office. You can resume normal activities as soon as the treatment is completed.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine specialists use innovative techniques to promote the regeneration of native tissue, replacing scar tissue with fully functional cells. This can improve a patient's functionality, flexibility, and range of motion, leading to a better quality of life. By harnessing the body's innate ability to heal itself, regenerative medicine has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various medical conditions and injuries including arthritis.

Regenerative medicine offers several approaches to treat arthritis that can help to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Some of these approaches include:

• Connective Tissue Matrix: The connective tissue matrix is crucial in the treatment of arthritis. It can promote tissue repair, modulate inflammation, and act as a scaffold for stem cell delivery. Growth factors stimulate the production of extracellular matrix components, while proteoglycans act as decoys for cytokines and growth factors, preventing further damage. Stem cells can differentiate into various cell types, interacting with the matrix for tissue repair. The diverse components and cells in the connective tissue matrix can treat arthritis effectively.

• Mesenchymal Stem Cell: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that arises when chronic inflammation causes degradation of the cartilage between bony surfaces, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. MSCs, which can differentiate into multiple cell types including chondrocytes (cartilage cells), can be used to regenerate damaged cartilage and improve joint function. MSCs also have immunomodulatory properties, meaning they can reduce inflammation and prevent further cartilage degradation. MSC therapy for arthritis can thus alleviate pain and improve the overall quality of life for patients.

Why Choose Hogan Spine & Rehab for Treatment​

Prescription arthritis medications can cause a wide range of unpleasant side effects, such as upset stomach/vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, and even hair loss. Alternatively, some doctors urge arthritis patients to have surgery for reducing arthritis symptoms. However, the Arthritis Foundation cites a New England Journal of Medicine article in which a study found that surgery is likely unnecessary for many individuals with knee arthritis.

Before you begin taking medications or considering surgery for arthritis, call Hogan Spine & Rehab today to schedule a free consultation appointment. For nearly 20 years, Hogan Spine & Rehab has successfully treated Southwest Houston and Sugar Land residents for all types of musculoskeletal disorders, including herniated discs, neck pain, degenerative disc disease, spinal osteoarthritis, whiplash, migraines, and painful systemic inflammation. We have "same day" appointments available and most insurance plans are accepted.

As a Hogan Spine & Rehab patient, you can expect personalized attention, the development of unique arthritis treatment in Sugar Land, and immediate answers to any questions you have about treatments recommended to you. Start living a pain-free life today!