JOINT PAIN DOCTORS IN CHICAGOLAND
PROVIDING THE BEST JOINT PAIN RELIEF
Providing a Full Spectrum of Treatments for Joint Pain
Millions of Americans suffer from a form of joint pain – with arthritis claiming at least 15 million of those sufferers. At MAPS Centers For Pain Control, our specialty is in providing nonsurgical and effective treatments to reduce chronic pain, strengthen the body, and allow our patients to improve their mobility and quality of life.
The double-board certified and fellowship-trained physicians at MAPS are uniquely positioned to handle all forms of chronic and acute joint pain with an emphasis on long-term improvement and minimal emphasis on surgery and drugs.
If you experience pain in any of your joints, don’t wait another day. Contact the team at MAPS to schedule an appointment:
What Is Joint Pain?
Are you looking for joint pain relief? Put simply, joint pain is discomfort that impacts any part of your body where two or more bones meet. This includes everything from your hands, wrists and elbows to your back, neck and shoulders. Depending on the underlying cause, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Grinding pain
- Dislocation
- Sensation of “bone on bone” pain
- Weakness or instability
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling, stiffness and redness
- Loud sounds (such as popping or crunching)
What Causes Joint Pain?
Joint pain can be caused by several conditions, including the following:
- Osteoarthritis: One of the most common causes of joint pain, osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that gradually destroys the cartilage surrounding your joints.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This condition is an inflammatory disease that impacts the joint linings.
- Injury: Injuries or trauma can lead to sprains, strains and fractures. While any joint can become injured, the knees are especially vulnerable.
- Overuse: Repetitive movements or intense exercise can place excessive strain on the joints.
- Bursitis: Bursitis causes inflammation of the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints.
- Tendinitis: Characterized by inflammation of the tendons, this condition causes pain and swelling around the joints.
- Infection: Joint infections (such as septic arthritis) can cause swelling, pain and redness.
- Inflammatory conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions, such as pancreatitis, may cause joint pain.
What Joint Pain Conditions Do We Treat?
Whether your joint pain is the result of an injury or a medical condition, our team at MAPS can help. We offer a wide range of minimally invasive, non-surgical joint pain treatments designed to provide long-term relief. Our experts are experienced with the following types of joint pain:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Foot & ankle pain
- Hand, wrist & elbow pain
Joint Pain Diagnosis
If you want to achieve joint pain relief, you need a treatment that’s tailored to your unique condition and symptoms. To ensure our treatments are effective, we offer a thorough diagnosis procedure. This may include the following:
- Consultation about your medical history and symptoms
- Physical examination
- Additional testing (such as X-rays or CT scans)
- Blood tests (to check for inflammatory conditions)
After diagnosing the cause, we’ll get started with a high-quality, personalized treatment plan.
Chicago’s Leaders in Minimally-Invasive Joint Pain Treatments
Every patient is unique, and therefore so is their treatment. Upon a thorough examination by a MAPS physician, treatments may include or be a combination of responsible medication management, physical therapy, an injection-based protocol, or a minimally invasive procedure. Treatments include:
Injection-Based Therapy
Many patients respond positively to our injection-based treatments which offer the benefit of rapid pain relief as well as the benefits of being non-surgical. This may include:
- Brachial Plexus Block: Injects anesthetic around the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that sends pain signals to the shoulder, arms and hands
- Celiac Plexus Block: Targets the celiac plexus nerves in the abdomen to relieve pain caused by conditions such as pancreatitis
- Trigger Point Injections: Deliver anesthetics or steroids directly into tight muscle knots (or trigger points)
- Facet Joint Injections: Injects steroids into small joints along the spine to relieve back and neck pain
- Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections: Delivers steroids around the spine’s epidural space to relieve nerve pain
- Epidural Adhesiolysis: Breaks up scar tissue in the spin’s epidural space to reduce nerve pain
- Viscosupplementation: Injects hyaluronic acid (a gooey, natural substance) to cushion and lubricate joints such as the hips and knees
- Sacroiliac Joint Injection: Targets the sacroiliac joint (located between the spine and pelvis) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Peripheral/Intercostal/Ilioinguinal/Genitofemoral Nerve Blocks: Nerve blocks that target peripheral nerves to relieve pain in different areas, such as the chest, groin and/or pelvis
- Interscalene Block: Injected near the neck to reduce shoulder and upper arm pain
Minimally Invasive Procedures
We are leaders in interventional pain procedures that use the latest in medical technology to intercept pain signals from reaching the brain. Rather than masking symptoms with medication, many patients find long-term relief from procedures such as:
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses heat from radio waves to destroy nerve fibers that transmit pain to the joints
- Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation: Implants a device near the spine to send electrical impulses that block pain signals from reaching the brain
- Kyphoplasty: Involves inserting a balloon in a fractured vertebra to restore height and stabilize the bone and joints
- Vertebroplasty: Involves injecting cement into a fractured vertebra to stabilize it and relieve pain
- Disc Decompression: Removes a portion of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on nerves, reduce pain and promote mobility
Responsible Medication Management
While the opioid crisis has made a negative impact on reducing the pain of Americans, there is still a place for responsible medication management that is closely monitored and observed if it provides a benefit to our patients. Our physicians may recommend:
- Ethical Pain Medicine Management: Involves carefully monitoring medication doses to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects or overuse
- Over-The-Counter Medications and Supplements: Help provide pain relief, especially when combined with professional treatment methods
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek treatment for joint pain?
You should seek treatment for joint pain that persists for more than a few days, worsens over time or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as swelling, redness or stiffness). You should also seek treatment if you experience sudden, severe joint pain.
Does joint pain go away on its own?
Mild joint pain caused by conditions such as overuse or small injuries may go away with rest and self-care methods. However, if you have an underlying medical condition or chronic, worsening pain, you should consult a healthcare provider.
What should I expect during my first consultation for joint pain?
During your first consultation, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms and perform a light physical exam. Depending on the results, they may recommend additional imaging testing or lab work.
What is the recovery time for joint pain treatments?
Recovery times vary depending on the cause, symptoms and treatment plan. In milder cases, patients may achieve joint pain relief within a few weeks or even days. However, patients with more serious pain may take a few months to recover.
How do I keep my joints healthy?
You can keep your joints strong by maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Many nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and calcium, support proper joint health and lower the risk of obesity (which places strain on the joints). Meanwhile, low-impact exercises (such as swimming and cycling) help strengthen muscles around the joints.
Which joint pain treatment is right for me?
The right joint pain treatment varies depending on your unique condition. At MAPS, we’ll diagnose your pain before recommending a treatment plan. This may be a singular solution or a combination of different treatments, including injections, medication and physical therapy.
Why Choose the Joint Pain Specialists at MAPS Centers for Pain Control
If you’re searching for long-lasting joint pain relief, our team at MAPS is here to help. We offer double-board certified, fellowship-trained physicians who are familiar with a wide range of joint pain conditions. After carefully assessing your condition, we’ll devise an individualized treatment that meets your needs. Our excellent levels of care, paired with our patient-centered mindset, makes us stand out. Interested in meeting our joint pain doctors? Schedule a consultation today!
Find a Joint Pain Clinic Location Near You
Read Our Latest Blog Articles About Joint Pain
Living with Increased Joint Pain After COVID
Living with Increased Joint Pain After COVIDAlthough many strides have been made in furthering our understanding of the mechanism of the novel Coronavirus, much about its extensive impact in the body and the potential for long-term effects has yet to be clarified. One...
WHAT SETS US APART
Our Level of Dedication And Excellent Patient Advocacy
At Centers for Pain Control,
Our Patients Are Our Priority
WHAT SETS US APART
Our Level of Dedication And Excellent Patient Advocacy That Our Patients Have Come to Know and Expect
At MAPS, Our Patients Are Our Priority
What sets us apart from other clinics is our level of dedication and excellent patient advocacy that our patients have come to know and expect. We work with most major insurances and have processes in place that expedite paperwork – meaning we have more time to dedicate in person when assessing and treating our patients.
We Are Here For You – Let Us Help Relieve Your Joint Pain Today
Contact the team at MAPS today. With 7 convenient locations, our team is ready to help you take your first step towards a pain-free life. Schedule your consultation now.
773-917-8400
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT