Posted on 07-22-2026 in Thumb Arthritis, Joint Care, Hip Arthritis, Arthritis, Hand Arthritis, Knee Osteoarthritis, In Office Procedures & Ankle Arthritis by Dr. Christopher Bookout, Dr. Alex Coleman, Dr. Joshua Hackel, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Matthew Mai, Dr. Erik Nilssen, Dr. Chris O'Grady, Dr. Roger Ostrander, Dr. James Piorkowski, Dr. Ryan Riggs, Dr. Brett Smith
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase public understanding of arthritis and its impact on millions of lives. Established by the Arthritis Foundation, this national observance highlights the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing research to improve the quality of life for those with arthritis.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 53 million adults and approximately 300,000 children. It’s not just a single disease, but a term that refers to over 100 different joint disorders. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion, which can significantly interfere with daily activities and mobility.
At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we’re committed to helping patients manage arthritis with comprehensive care and educational resources. To support those affected during Arthritis Awareness Month, we’ve created an Arthritis Article Resource Archive filled with expert guidance and practical tips. Explore our complete collection at our Arthritis Blog Archive or click on any of the article titles below to read individual posts:
Additionally, our website features a Common Conditions page where you can learn more about specific types of arthritis by searching based on body part, symptoms and severity.
If you’re experiencing arthritis symptoms, don’t wait. Request a visit using our Online Appointment Request Form or call one of our convenient locations listed in the footer below. Relief starts with the proper care, and the expert team of orthopaedic and sports medicine professionals at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists is here to help every step of the way.
Have you ever taken a step and felt like there was a pebble stuck in your shoe, only to stop, check, and find nothing there? It's a surprisingly common complaint. Many patients describe the sensation as though they're walking on a small rock, a wrinkle in their sock, or something that simply won't go away. While it may seem like a minor annoyance at first, persistent pain in the ball of the foot is often your body's way of signaling that something isn't functioning as it should. Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, understanding what may be behind the discomfort is the first step toward finding lasting relief.
For many patients living with chronic low back pain (LBP) and advanced knee arthritis, there comes a point when the treatments that once provided relief no longer seem to work as well. Medications may offer only temporary comfort, injections may become less effective over time, and everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair can become increasingly difficult. At that point, many patients ask the same question: "Am I ready for surgery, or are there other options I should consider first?" The answer is rarely as simple as "yes" or "no."
December is National Safe Toys & Gifts Month, and as we go about our holiday shopping, it's important to remember the impact those presents can have on the well-being of the children in our lives. A recently released report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicated that nearly 210,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for a toy-related injury in 2022. The annual CPSC report also provided the following illuminating statistics: