Advanced Care for Joint Conditions & Injuries in Southern California
The skeletal structure of the body is made up of bones and joints. A joint is the place where two bones meet and fit together. Within a joint, there are ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and synovial fluid. When one or more of these areas is damaged, joint conditions or injuries can occur.
If you or a loved one has a joint problem that is causing pain or difficulty moving, orthopedic doctors at Dignity Health Southern California can help. Our doctors use advanced diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the cause of joint pain and create personalized treatment plans. Our hospitals offer joint replacement programs, along with inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, to help get you moving again.
To learn about therapies for joint injuries in Southern California, Find a Doctor.
Types of Joint Conditions & Injuries We Treat
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Dislocations
- Bursitis
- Rheumatic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- Sprains and strains
- Gout, a type of arthritis
- Degenerative joint and bone diseases, such as osteoarthritis
- Fractures and breaks
If you are looking for quality orthopedic care, visit a hospital near you:
- California Hospital Medical Center — Downtown Los Angeles
- Glendale Memorial Hospital — Glendale
- Northridge Hospital Medical Center — in the heart of the San Fernando Valley
- St. Bernardine Medical Center — San Bernardino
- St. Mary Medical Center — Long Beach, near the Pacific
For a severe injury, call 911. If you need to go to the ER, use our InQuicker online tool to select your estimated hospital arrival time and wait at home until your time to be seen.
Symptoms of Joint Conditions & Injuries
The most common sign of a joint problem is pain, ranging from dull and achy to severe. Other symptoms include:
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling and warmth around the joint
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and bruising
With fractures and dislocations, there may be a visible deformity.
Causes of Joint Conditions & Injuries
The primary causes of joint problems are overuse and traumatic injuries. Overuse, or repetitive motions, are a common cause of chronic joint conditions, such as tendonitis and osteoarthritis. Joint injuries caused by trauma include those from car accidents, falls, and sports-related injuries. Some joint conditions have very specific causes. For instance, gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint.
Treating Joint Conditions & Injuries at Dignity Health Southern California
The type of treatment you receive for a joint condition or injury will depend on the cause and severity of the problem. When you visit Dignity Health Southern California, your doctor will take into account your medical history, risk factors, and overall health to determine a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Many joint conditions respond well to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines and physical therapy. For stronger relief from pain and swelling, your doctor may prescribe joint injections with a corticosteroid.
In some cases, joint surgery or replacement (including joint resurfacing) may be needed. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Together, you can find a solution for joint pain relief.
Dignity Health can help you prevent and manage chronic joint conditions, as well as treat joint injuries in Southern California.