Arthritis
Arthritis affects people of all ages, with its many forms causing chronic joint pain to millions of people across the United States. If you have arthritis, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Steven Pancio, II, MD delivers cutting edge treatments at his practice in Olean, NY. Dr. Pancio offers comprehensive conservative and surgical approaches, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, viscosupplementation, and joint replacement surgery. Call the office of Steven Pancio, II, MD today for more information, or use the online booking form.
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What is arthritis?
More than 100 conditions that cause painful, inflamed joints come under the umbrella of arthritis. Some of the more common ones include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Post-traumatic arthritis.
- Psoriatic arthritis.
- Septic arthritis.
- Gout.
The type of arthritis that affects more people than any other is osteoarthritis. This condition typically starts causing symptoms in later middle age or as you reach your senior years. It causes chronic joint pain that worsens at times and may ease off but doesn’t go away.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it tends to be worst in your knees, hips, and hands. The joints get weaker and stiffer over time and start to twist so they become misshapen. It can make daily life a challenge, living with constant pain while performing normal physical activities.
What causes arthritis?
Each type of arthritis has its own particular cause. Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear disease, which means it’s the result of all the use your joints get throughout your life. Tissues protecting the joints wear away and leave the bones exposed, leading to joint deterioration and pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis, conversely, is an autoimmune disorder. It develops when your immune system incorrectly targets the joint linings and attacks them as though they were invading organisms. Arthritis can also be a complication of other autoimmune diseases, including lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome.
Gout develops when uric acid crystals collect in your joints, typically affecting your big toe. Septic arthritis is caused by infection, and post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that sets in following a joint injury.
How is arthritis treated?
Despite undertaking extensive study of the disease, researchers haven’t yet been able to find a cure for arthritis. However, the interventional pain management techniques Dr. Pancio uses can make a significant difference in your quality of life.
Initially, your personalized treatment plan might consist of conservative approaches such as:
- Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- NSAID creams or gels.
- Capsaicin or menthol creams.
- Physical therapy.
- Splinting or bracing.
- Low impact strength training.
- Using orthotics (corrective shoe inserts).
- Hyaluronic acid joint injections (viscosupplementation).
- Steroid injections into the joint.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Steroid joint injections.
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections.
If non-operative treatment isn’t effective, then surgery is an excellent option with long-lasting results.
Knee replacement is the most successful type of surgery for arthritis. Dr. Pancio can perform a full or partial knee replacement, where he cuts away the diseased ends of the bones in your knee and fits artificial components.
To benefit from Dr. Pancio’s expertise in treating arthritis, call his office today or book an appointment online.
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I was hit by car, had a compound fracture with a bone sticking out of my left foot. Broken tibia and fibia?. Screwed plate and bones back together. I am healing fine, next visit 3/26 to remove stiches. I seem to have total function of foot. Still have 2 more weeks of not using leg, but very hopeful.
Very considerate and professional. Did not at any time feel rushed. Offered advice without surgery. Prior surgery by him was extremely successful. Excellent Doctor.
Very professional happy with visit explained issue and treatment process and took time to answer my questions and concerns.
Very smooth experience. Dr. Pancio was very focused, patient, and communicative through every step.
He actually took the time to listen and respond appropriately. He was upfront and honest. Much appreciated.
Very helpful.
No problems. Staff was efficient and courteous. Dr. was professional and honest.
Dr. Pancho is high energy and personable. He didn’t rush through follow up appointments and made sure we understood any procedures and answered all of my questions. I especially liked how he kept my wife informed of my progress during surgery and by phone speaker during appointments. His written material he gave me was personalized for my specific injury and was easy to follow.
My son was seen for a broken arm. Everyone was very kind and patient with him, as this was a new experience for us. I am very pleased with the service we received and for a healed arm.
Dr. Pancio studied my daughters MRI before he came in and talked to us. He examined her knee and told us that her exam confirmed what he had found on the MRI which was missed by the radiologist. He prescribed the appropriate physical therapy and my daughter is on her way to making a full recovery without surgery! If she would have needed surgery, we have full confidence that Dr. Pancio would be great! He is very observant and knowledgeable. He explained everything that is going on with her knee also why and when it would hurt in different situations.
By far the best Orthopedic doctor in the area.
Doc is awesome makes you feel comfortable and cares about your well being.
Phenomenal surgeon – Dr. Pancio made my shoulder normal again!!
Great doctor and surgeon. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Winchester area for their orthopedic care.