As we wrap up National Arthritis Awareness Month, it’s a great time to reflect on how arthritis affects millions of people – and more importantly, what you can do about it if you are one too.
Arthritis doesn’t just impact one part of the body. It can affect nearly every joint from neck-to-toe. At Central Indiana Orthopedics, we see firsthand how joint pain can interrupt daily life, but we also know that with the right care, it can be managed effectively.
What Does Arthritis Pain Feel Like?
Arthritis pain isn’t the same for everyone. Depending on the joint involved and the type of arthritis, symptoms may include:
- Persistent aching or soreness
- Sharp pain during movement
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- Limited range of motion
Some patients notice gradual discomfort, while others experience flare-ups that seem to come on suddenly. No matter how it starts, ongoing pain shouldn’t be ignored.
Early Signs You Shouldn’t Dismiss
Many people assume joint pain is just part of getting older, but early symptoms of arthritis can appear long before it significantly impacts your lifestyle.
Watch for:
- Stiffness that lingers or delays mobility
- Mild swelling or tenderness in joints
- Clicking, popping or grinding sensations
- Decreased flexibility or strength
- Pain that comes and goes but gradually worsens
Addressing these signs early can help preserve joint function and prevent further damage.
Daily Management and Protecting Your Joints
If you’re living with arthritis or early joint pain, there are practical steps you can take every day to protect your joints:
Keep Moving: Low-impact activity like walking, swimming or cycling helps maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight can ease pressure on joints, especially in the hips, knees and spine.
Practice Joint Protection: Use good posture, take breaks from repetitive movements and choose supportive shoes and ergonomic supports.
Focus on Nutrition: A balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods (for example fish, fruits and leafy greens) can play a role in managing symptoms and supporting overall joint health.
Follow a Personalized Care Plan: Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on the joint and severity, care may include physical therapy, medications, injections or other interventions.
When to See a Specialist
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to seek care, here are some signs that now is the time to schedule an appointment for guidance:
- Pain lasts longer than a few weeks
- Symptoms interfere with daily activities or sleep
- Swelling, instability or limited motion develops
- Over-the-counter treatments stop working
- Pain affects multiple joints or keeps returning
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes.
Comprehensive Arthritis Care from Head to Toe
Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis across all major joints, including:
- Shoulder
- Spine
- Hip
- Knee
- Foot and ankle
- Hand, wrist and elbow
We take a personalized approach to care, focusing on relieving pain, restoring function and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.
See all our services at ciocenter.com/services
Real Patients, Real Relief
As we close out Arthritis Awareness Month, we’re reminded that behind every diagnosis is a person looking to feel better, move better and live better. We’re proud to have helped thousands of patients find relief from arthritis pain over the years and get back to doing what they love.
See what our patients are saying about their experience with our team here at CIO.
“Dr. Baessler restored quality of living for me when he rebuilt my left shoulder. He is a very caring and kind physician.”
“Dr. Lyon explained surgical options for relieving my foot pain caused by arthritis in my great toe joint. I was able to get back to hiking and walking without foot pain within 6 weeks after my surgery.”
“Dr. Damer performed a total knee replacement on my left knee in April 2025. At that time, I could not walk up or down stairs or inclines without pain, and getting around in general was often painful. After my surgery, I was bending my knee 90° within 48 hours and could walk without any pain within a few weeks. I now have no pain and can run up the stairs and carry on an active life.”
“I have been incredibly impressed by Dr. Badman’s bedside manner and his ability to connect with his patients. Beyond his obvious skill as an accomplished surgeon – which is exactly why I trusted him with my shoulder replacement – his calm and confident demeanor quickly alleviated my tension. He ensured I was well-informed and completely reassured about a procedure I had been afraid to undergo for years.”
“Dr. Camilleri performed a knee replacement for me in November 2025. When I initially came to him in 2023, I had a torn meniscus that was a work-related injury. He was very upfront about my situation and said that my knee was in very bad condition due to my advanced arthritis. He said that repairing the meniscus only would be like throwing gas on a fire. I appreciated the upfront, realistic view of my situation. I put off my surgery for as long as I could and finally got it done on November 12 of last year. Although the recovery was tough, especially the first 2 weeks, I feel that my surgery was successful. I knew what to expect due to his realistic view of my situation. I no longer have to think about knee pain while going through my daily activities. My knee does have some soreness at times, but I was told that is not unusual up to 12 months post-surgery. Thanks, Dr. Camilleri!”
“My arthritis had become so bad I had to use a crutch to walk. This was a result of a previous surgery 50 years ago. I put off surgery because of the experience I had, but the pain was so bad I had to do something. I met with Dr. Martin and immediately felt comfortable with the decision to do a total hip replacement. I woke up from surgery with no pain and have been able to walk and sit normally again. He changed my life. I wish I had done this sooner, but I’m glad I didn’t because I trust Dr. Martin and wouldn’t want anyone else to perform the surgery. Thank you, Dr. Martin, for giving me my life back!”
“He has changed my way of living. I’m able to use my arms again. My shoulders were a wreck. Dr. Chae is very personal and caring.”
“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Duncan for 20-plus years. He has performed several surgeries on my spine, all successful. I would recommend him to anyone who has any type of spinal problems!”
“My father and I both had surgery by Dr. Jerman. He was very compassionate of all of our questions and feelings. We appreciate him and his staff.”
“Dr. Chen has been instrumental in my diagnosis and my care for my thumb and wrist pain. Most recently, he gave me a steroid injection, which helped with both my arthritis pain and my CTS pain. I am confident Dr. Chen always has the best and most appropriate treatments in mind when providing all the options to his patients.”
“In my opinion, Dr. Cook was very good, very personable. I have arthritis really bad in my hands. My right hand was really bad, and he replaced the knuckles. He could not get it all the way out like a normal hand, but I could use it, and I thank him very much – he was great. I did far better than he expected. He thought I’d never be able to close it, and I can close it. I can make a fist. He wanted to know, because of my age, why I wanted it done, and I told him that I had a granddaughter who was learning sign language, and she couldn’t figure out why grandma couldn’t open her hands to do it. He actually just made me feel so good.”
“I am a patient of Dr. Surtani. Through the years as his patient, he has treated me with respect, care, and compassion for my arthritis pain, giving me hope to manage my pain through the process toward my future knee surgery. He is very knowledgeable and attentive to my conversation about my needs. I highly recommend him to my family and friends, who are now his patients as well.”
“I had bone-on-bone arthritis in both knees, which led to two total joint replacements. Dr. Kay performed both surgeries within the last six months, and the results have been wonderful. I’m ready to resume my gardening and bicycling activities this spring without the pain and limited motion of last year. Dr. Kay and his team are professional, informative, and very caring throughout the entire process, from scheduling to aftercare. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
“Coming to the realization that I needed a left knee replacement due to the intense arthritis pain was quite concerning and a bit scary for me. Dr. Cieply and his staff provided me with the no-nonsense truth about what, why, and how this surgery was right for me. I felt absolutely no pressure from Dr. Cieply to make that commitment – just the facts! After discussing this with him, I was fully confident that the procedure was right for me and that he was the right surgeon. The surgery went as planned, and I have not regretted my decision at all. Dr. Cieply gave me the confidence to trust in him, his experience, and the process. I made a great decision!”
“Dr. Jaggers did my knee replacements on both knees, six months apart. His bedside manner, professionalism, knowledge and skill are top-notch! My knees were nearly bone-on-bone, and he tried other ways to help before suggesting surgery. When surgery was inevitable, he made the process smooth, and I couldn’t be more grateful for Dr. Jaggers and his staff!”
“Dr. Waterman replaced my right shoulder 5 years ago, and it totally relieved my pain. Today, I can do anything I want without pain. I recommend him to anyone who is anticipating a shoulder repair. He has certainly helped me live a much more comfortable life – thank you, Dr. Waterman!”
“Dr. Herbst changed my life by repairing a previously botched surgery on my left ankle and replacing my right ankle. I am thankful every day I get out of bed. There is nothing that I cannot do. Best experience I have ever had with a doctor!”
Are you ready to take the next step in your fight against arthritis? See all CIO locations and schedule an appointment today.