By Stacey E. Gallacher, MD, FAAOS
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Fellowship-Trained in Shoulder, Elbow & Trauma Surgery
Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI), we’re here to support your journey toward better joint health. Whether you’re dealing with stiffness, swelling, or chronic pain, understanding arthritis is the first step toward relief.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common but often misunderstood condition. It refers to degenerative or the cartilage that lines the bones in the joints and can take many forms, including:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Caused by wear and tear on cartilage, often linked to age or joint overuse.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that attacks the lining of joints.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: A result of injury or past joint trauma.
Over 53 million adults in the U.S. are affected, making arthritis a leading cause of disability.
Common Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Arthritis symptoms can develop slowly, but early care makes a difference. Watch for:
- Persistent joint pain or stiffness
- Swelling or warmth around joints
- Trouble with mobility or grip
- Morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to check in with an orthopedic specialist.
5 Everyday Tips to Manage Arthritis
Arthritis can’t always be prevented, but these strategies can help manage symptoms:
- Stay Active but Low Impact: Walking, swimming, or biking can help reduce stiffness without straining your joints.
- Eat for Joint Health: Anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, berries, and leafy greens can help reduce joint pain.
- Don’t Skip the Stretching: Gentle stretching keeps joints flexible and improves range of motion.
- Use Hot & Cold Therapy: Heat soothes stiff joints, while cold packs reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Listen to Your Body: If your joints are signaling pain, allow time to rest and recover.
How AOSMI Supports Joint Health at Every Stage
At Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, we help patients manage arthritis with compassionate care and customized treatment plans—no matter your age or where you are in your arthritis journey. From early diagnosis to advanced surgical options, we’re here to support you.
Arthritis affects people of all ages, and AOSMI is committed to providing both non-surgical and surgical care options designed to help preserve joint function and improve your quality of life.
- Our non-surgical services include pain management, physical therapy, and joint injections.
- Our surgical services include joint replacement and minimally invasive procedures performed by specialists.
Patients can access arthritis care across our AOSMI locations. For more details on our providers, please visit our Physicians page and explore our full range of arthritis treatment services.
Take the First Step
Arthritis doesn’t have to define your life. This May, prioritize your joint health with support from a team that understands what you’re going through.
About the Author
Dr. Stacey Gallacher is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with dual fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery as well as trauma. She graduated co-valedictorian from New York Medical College and completed her orthopedic surgery residency at Brown University. Dr. Gallacher further specialized with advanced training in complex shoulder and elbow surgery at Yale University.
Her clinical expertise encompasses arthroscopic procedures, complex shoulder reconstructions, and shoulder replacement surgeries, including bone-preserving techniques. Dr. Gallacher also provides comprehensive care for fractures and sports injuries in adults and adolescents.
As a former Division I collegiate athlete, Dr. Gallacher understands the unique needs of athletes and active individuals. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver individualized care aimed at restoring function and mobility.
Dr. Gallacher is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and contributes to the academic community as an Assistant Editor for the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Arthroplasty.
