Arthritis is an inflammation affecting one or more joints. At Southlake Orthopaedics, multi-specialty, board-certified doctors help patients with arthritis in the following areas:
Arthritis generally features gradually progressing symptoms, including:
Symptoms of arthritis vary greatly from patient to patient, with some individuals affected at certain times of the day or by certain activities. Being overweight can increase your risk of arthritis.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but the two most common types are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, which is caused by damaged or reduced cartilage within the joints. Cartilage, a firm and flexible connective tissue, absorbs pressure and shock in the joints during movement. When cartilage decreases or becomes weakened, it can no longer serve as an effective protective layer for the joints. A patient’s risk for osteoarthritis increases if a family member has been diagnosed with the condition. Further, joint injuries or infections can accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis.
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when someone’s immune system attacks their body’s healthy tissues. Each episode of RA affects the lining of the joint capsule and synovium, a soft joint tissue that produces fluid to lubricate joints and support cartilage. Over time, the condition can damage and eventually diminish the cartilage and bones within a joint. Southlake Orthopaedics’ physicians can refer patients to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of RA conditions.
This arthritis treatment can provide patients with relief for up to several weeks. However, there are limitations as to how frequently patients can receive steroid injections due to potentially harmful side effects.
Rehabilitation through physical therapy is also a treatment option for arthritis. Physical therapy involves a series of curated exercises, helping patients strengthen muscles that support affected joints. Physical therapy can also assist patients in regaining range of motion, flexibility, and mobility. Southlake Orthopaedics offers on-site physical therapy services, enabling patients to conveniently work with physical therapists and certified hand therapists.
Because the severity of arthritis varies greatly from person to person, Southlake Orthopaedics may recommend a combination of non-surgical treatments, such as:
When nonsurgical treatment is unsuccessful or arthritis is very severe, there are several surgical procedures to consider. Southlake Orthopaedics chooses the method that best preserves or reconstructs the joint. Common surgeries for arthritis include joint replacement and fusion (arthrodesis).
Michael F. Blum, M.D., completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1985. He graduated medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham in 1989 and completed an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency in 1995. Dr. Blum began his orthopaedic practice in Alexander City, Alabama, and relocated to Birmingham to become one of the founding owners of Southlake Orthopaedics Sports Medicine and Spine Center. Dr. Blum’s practice has a special emphasis on sports medicine and joint replacement/reconstruction.
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George Robert Booker, M.D. completed his undergraduate studies at Auburn University in 2001 where he graduated magna cum laude with a major in Microbiology. He completed medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama in 2005 and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency in 2010 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Booker began in his practice at Southlake Orthopaedics Sports Medicine and Spine Center in 2010. He completed his board certification process in July of 2012 and is a current diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons.
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Southlake Orthopaedics welcomes Dr. Jones as the newest member to our orthopaedic team in January 2019. Dr. Jones has been a respected orthopaedic surgeon practicing in the Birmingham area for the last 19 years. When he finished his residency in 2000, he joined his father’s orthopaedic practice at Brookwood Orthopedics. He has most recently been in practice at Powell & Jones Orthopedics Center, which he formed In 2014 with his father and Dr. Thomas Powell. We are delighted to have him associate with our group. Dr. Jones offers his expertise in treating adult and pediatric patients with musculoskeletal conditions. He also offers treatment in sports medicine, arthritis, and workers’ comp. Dr. Jones has an interest in arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques of the shoulder and knee.
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Dr. CJ Talbert is termed a general orthopaedic surgeon with a sub-specialty interest in spine. Over 80% of his practice involves evaluation and treatment of spine conditions. This includes neck, middle and lower back, and sacrum issues. He also has considerable experience dealing with complex adult degenerative problems, particularly hip and knee.
Dr. Talbert has had special training at AI Dupont Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, with Dr. G. Dean MacEwen, who is a world-recognized authority in the field of scoliosis and childhood hip disorders. At Southlake Orthopaedics, he can diagnose and manage most childhood orthopaedic conditions.
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Start on the road to less pain and more living by consulting with Southlake Orthopaedics. For those living with arthritis or other spinal or orthopedic conditions, Southlake Orthopaedics serves central Alabama with locations in Birmingham-Grandview and Hoover, AL. To learn more, contact Southlake Orthopaedics today.
