Conditions

Bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, muscles, and tendons near joints. It commonly affects the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, and heel and often develops from repetitive motions, prolonged pressure, injury, or overuse. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness, with discomfort that may worsen during movement or after periods of activity. In a pain management setting, treatment for bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring normal movement. This may include anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and guided physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility around the affected joint. Targeted corticosteroid injections are often used to decrease inflammation and provide longer-lasting pain relief. Pain management specialists also emphasize posture correction, ergonomic adjustments, and gradual return to activity to help prevent recurrenceand support long-term joint health.

A torn meniscus is a common knee injury involving damage to the meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. It often occurs from twisting or rotating the knee while bearing weight, such as during sports, sudden movements, or even routine activities in older adults where the cartilage has weakened over time. Symptoms can include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or popping sensations, and sometimes a feeling that the knee is locking or giving way. Pain may worsen with walking, squatting, or climbing stairs. Treatment for a torn meniscus focuses on reducing pain, inflammation, and improving function—especially for patients who are not immediate surgical candidates or are recovering from injury. Common approaches include anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and physical therapy referrals to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability. Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation or viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections) to improve joint lubrication may also be offered. In some cases, regenerative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be discussed. The goal in pain management is to control symptoms, improve mobility, and help

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which can form sharp crystals in the joints. It most commonly affects the big toe but can also involve the ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, and fingers. Gout attacks often begin suddenly and are marked by intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. Flare-ups may last days to weeks and can recur over time, especially if uric acid levels remain uncontrolled. Treatment for gout focuses on controlling pain during flare-ups and reducing inflammation while supporting long-term joint health. Pain management providers may use anti-inflammatory medications, colchicine, or corticosteroids—either oral or through targeted joint injections—to quickly relieve severe pain and swelling. Patients are also guided on lifestyle modifications such as hydration, dietary changes, and weight management to help reduce flare frequency. For chronic gout, coordination with primary care or rheumatology for uric acid–lowering therapy is often part of a comprehensive pain management approach aimed at preventing future attacks and preserving mobility.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This pressure can result from repetitive hand movements, prolonged wrist flexion, inflammation, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, as well as weakness or difficulty gripping objects. Symptoms often worsen at night or with repetitive activities, affecting daily tasks and work performance. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome focuses on relieving nerve pressure, reducing pain, and restoring hand function. Management may include activity modification, physical or occupational therapy, and the use of a wrist brace to keep the wrist in a neutral position, especially during sleep or repetitive tasks. Pain management specialists may also utilize medications, therapeutic injections, or other non-surgical interventions when appropriate. A comprehensive, individualized approach helps reduce symptoms, improve comfort, and prevent progression of the condition.

Tendinitis is a condition caused by inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. It often develops from repetitive movements, overuse, poor posture, or sudden increases in activity, and commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Symptoms include localized pain, tenderness, stiffness, and discomfort that typically worsens with movement, sometimes limiting daily activities and work tasks. In a pain management setting, care for tendinitis focuses on reducing pain, improving function, and preventing long-term damage. Treatment plans may include guided physical therapy, activity modification, and therapeutic modalities such as heat or cold therapy. Pain management specialists may also incorporate medications, targeted injections, manual therapy, and education on posture and movement mechanics. A personalized, multidisciplinary approach helps control pain, support healing, and allow patients to safely return to normal activity.

Vertebrogenic low back pain is a type of back pain that originates from the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column. It often arises due to degenerative changes, such as disc deterioration, vertebral endplate damage, or inflammation around the spinal bones. Unlike general low back pain, vertebrogenic pain is specifically linked to structural changes in the vertebrae themselves, which can irritate surrounding nerves, ligaments, and soft tissues. Patients typically experience localized pain in the lower back, which may worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements. The impact of vertebrogenic low back pain extends beyond physical discomfort. Chronic pain can limit mobility, interfere with daily activities, and affect sleep quality, leading to increased stress and reduced quality of life. Management usually involves a combination of approaches, including physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles, anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle modifications to reduce strain on the spine, and in some cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgery. Early recognition and targeted treatment are key to preventing further degeneration and maintaining long-term spinal health.

Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, often where bones meet at joints. They typically form in response to joint damage from osteoarthritis, repetitive stress, or aging, as the body tries to repair itself. While bone spurs themselves are not always painful, they can cause discomfort if they press on surrounding nerves, ligaments, or tendons. Common areas for bone spurs include the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees, and feet. The effects of bone spurs vary depending on their location and size. In joints, they can limit range of motion, cause stiffness, or contribute to swelling and inflammation. When they press on nerves, especially in the spine, they can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along the affected nerve pathway. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms through physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections or in severe cases, surgical removal. Maintaining joint health through exercise, proper posture, and avoiding repetitive stress can help reduce the risk of developing bone spurs.  

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system, which normally protects the body from infections, mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. This can cause widespread inflammation and damage in areas such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Because lupus affects multiple systems, its symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but common signs include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Managing lupus often requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing organ damage. Treatments may include medications like anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids, along with lifestyle strategies such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding triggers like excessive sun exposure. While there is no cure for lupus, early diagnosis and consistent care can help people lead active, fulfilling lives and minimize the disease’s impact on overall health.  

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. It typically occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, most often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort or tingling to sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in the affected leg. Sciatica usually affects one side of the body and can worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements. Treatment for sciatica often begins with conservative approaches such as physical therapy, stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications to relieve pressure on the nerve. In cases where pain is severe or persistent, more targeted interventions like epidural steroid injections or minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. Maintaining proper posture, strengthening core and back muscles, and avoiding prolonged positions that irritate the nerve can help prevent flare-ups. With appropriate care, most individuals experience significant relief and improved mobility over time.