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osteoarthritis

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According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 30 million Americans are living with osteoarthritis, which is also a leading cause of disability. At Thrive Pain Management in Irving, Texas, Teddrick Dunson, MD, offers extensive experience in diagnosing and treating this common type of arthritis. If you or a loved one is searching for great arthritis care and management path, schedule a consultation today to begin the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. To understand this condition, it helps to think about how your joints function. 

In most joints, a rubbery, firm material called cartilage covers the ends of the two bones. That material serves to create a smooth surface for the joint to move and also cushions the two bones. Osteoarthritis occurs when your cartilage breaks down or wears away. Cartilage does not regenerate on its own, so the process continues over time. 

Bone spurs can develop, and small bits of cartilage or bone can break loose and float within your joint, triggering nerves and causing pain. 

Your body reacts to these joint changes with an inflammatory response. Cytokines and enzymes develop and accelerate the destruction of cartilage. Eventually, most of the cartilage is gone, and the bones are left to rub against each other during joint movement, which can cause severe pain. 

What types of osteoarthritis treatment are available?

There are several ways to address osteoarthritis pain. At Thrive Pain Management, Dr. Dunson begins by assessing your joint health and determining the extent of the damage. He may take in-office X-rays to assess your arthritic joints.

Medications may play a role in treating osteoarthritis. Over-the-counter medications can reduce mild to moderate pain. It’s important to note, however, that even over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause problems with your stomach, kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system. 

Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help by teaching you how to strengthen your joints and shape your daily routines in a way that does not exacerbate the problem. After working with a skilled therapist, you can care for your joints on your own. 

Cortisone injections are another option and work by reducing swelling and improving joint mobility. Injections of hyaluronic acid can help by cushioning your joints.

Our Other Services

PAIN MANAGEMENT
Living with pain can color your experience of life, and make it hard to enjoy time at work, with friends and family, or in the community. Pain management is an area of medical specialty that seeks ways of reducing pain.
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LOW BACK PAIN
Did you know that as many as 80% of Americans will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives? Thrive Pain Management can make a world of difference in the daily experience of lower back pain.
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NECK PAIN
Virtually everyone will experience neck pain at some point or another, but for many men and women, the experience is disruptive or debilitating.Thrive Pain Management has the skills and experience needed to determine the cause of your neck pain and craft a customized treatment to deliver lasting relief.
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KNEE INJECTIONS
You may not spend much time thinking about your knees, but they perform a number of essential tasks each and every day. Knee pain can throw a wrench in your normal routine.
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OSTEOARTHRITIS
According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 30 million Americans are living with osteoarthritis, which is also a leading cause of disability. We offer extensive experience in diagnosing and treating this common type of arthritis. If you or a loved one is searching for great arthritis care and management path, schedule a consultation today .
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EPIDURAL INJECTIONS
Back, head or neck pain can all change the course of a normal day, and over time can alter your life in many different ways. We offer epidural injections as one of many treatments that can reduce pain and give you the chance to shape each day according to your needs.
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SPINAL CORD STIMULATION
For men and women living with chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation can be a game-changing treatment. If you’re curious about what spinal cord stimulation can do for you or a loved one, schedule a consultation today.
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Join The Group of People Who Are Getting Their Lives Back

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dunson online or by phone today to discuss your options for pain management care.

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