All too often we assume joint pain is something that we have to learn to
live with. But it’s not true! Stiff, swollen, painful joints don’t
have to keep you from enjoying the activities you love. Torrance Memorial
Medical Center offers a variety of treatment options from exercise and
physical therapy to new medications and advances in joint replacement.
“My goal is to restore function and decrease pain,” says Stephen
Nuccion, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with the Torrance Memorial Physician
Network who specializes in treating shoulder and knee problems. “Sometimes
problems need to be fixed with surgery; but in many cases, physical therapy,
biologic injections and other modalities can really help. We use surgery
as a last resort.”
Dr. Nuccion’s colleagues agree.
“One out of 100 needs surgery. The other 99 need to get the right
diagnosis and the right management of their pain, which usually includes
physical therapy,” explains orthopedic surgeon and spine expert
Tiffany Rogers, MD, with the Torrance Memorial Physician Network. “People
should keep in mind that back pain is not a diagnosis.”
Commonly diagnosed causes of back pain include arthritis and stenosis in
the spine, spinal disc injuries and compression fractures. Arthritis and
overuse cause pain in other joints including shoulders, elbows, hips,
knees, feet and ankles. Not to mention, traumatic injuries to any of these
joints, such as fractures from falls or missteps, can also cause pain.
In fact, a fracture you had earlier in life can contribute to the pain
you’re feeling now. That’s because trauma like a dislocated
hip, a fracture or other injury to a joint increases your risk of arthritis.
If you get injured and the pain persists, see a doctor. The best advice
says orthopedist Randolph O'Hara, MD, is "to stay active. The
more active you are, the better you'll feel."
A doctor’s medical advice about your injury, body mechanics, future
activities, as well as continuing to perform physical therapy exercises
at home, can prevent re-injury.
“One of the benefits of Torrance Memorial Physician Network is that
each of our orthopedists has a sub-specialty training so we’re very
well-informed of all the treatment options,” explains Dr. Nuccion.
“We offer many treatments that when used alone or together can provide
people with a better outcome.”