Arthritis

Living with arthritis can make everyday movements challenging, but you don’t have to face joint pain and stiffness alone. At Samaritan Sports Medicine in Raleigh, North Carolina, Benjamin Petty, MD, provides expert care to manage arthritis symptoms, improve mobility, and protect long-term joint health. Using a combination of advanced treatments and personalized care, Dr. Petty helps patients stay active and maintain their quality of life. Call the office or book an appointment online today to learn how arthritis management can help you move more.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but the two most common are:

• Osteoarthritis – caused by wear and tear on the joints over time, leading to cartilage breakdown.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints.
  

Arthritis can affect anyone, regardless of age, and may impact the knees, hips, hands, shoulders, spine, and other joints. Over time, untreated arthritis can lead to significant joint damage, loss of mobility, and decreased quality of life, making early diagnosis and management essential.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Signs and symptoms can vary, but common ones include:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
• Reduced range of motion
• A grinding or popping sensation with movement
• Weakness or instability in the affected joint
  

While symptoms may start mild, they often worsen without proper care. Seeking treatment early can help you maintain strength, flexibility, and long-term joint health.

How is arthritis treated?

Dr. Petty takes a comprehensive, personalized approach to arthritis care. Depending on the severity and type of arthritis, your treatment plan may include:

• Medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Joint injections, such as corticosteroids or viscosupplementation, to improve mobility
• Regenerative treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentration (BMAC), to support tissue healing and slow joint degeneration
• Physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and maintain flexibility
• Lifestyle guidance for exercise, diet, and joint protection strategies
  

In more advanced cases, Dr. Petty may discuss minimally invasive procedures or surgical options to restore joint function and improve long-term outcomes.

What are the benefits of arthritis care?

With early intervention and targeted treatments, Dr. Petty helps patients manage symptoms, protect joint health, and maintain an active lifestyle. Whether your goal is walking without discomfort, returning to sports, or preventing further joint damage, his approach focuses on restoring function and improving quality of life.

If arthritis pain is limiting your movement, call Samaritan Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today to explore your treatment options.