Managing Arthritis So You Can Keep Moving
Stiff mornings, aching joints, and a slowly shrinking list of things you can do comfortably — arthritis rarely announces itself all at once. Dr. James Race works with patients across Dallas to slow that progression and restore day-to-day function.
Our Approach to Arthritis Care
No two patients with arthritis need the same plan. Here's how we work through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.
Getting the Diagnosis Right
Treating arthritis effectively starts with knowing exactly which type you have. An inflammatory condition mistaken for wear-and-tear can go undertreated for years — and the reverse leads to medications you never needed.
Dr. Race begins with a detailed history and hands-on joint exam, then orders only the testing that will actually change your plan.
- X-rays to assess joint space narrowing and bone changes
- Bloodwork including inflammatory markers and autoimmune panels
- Uric acid testing when gout is suspected
- Referral for advanced imaging or joint fluid analysis if needed
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Building a Treatment Plan Around Your Life
A plan only works if you can actually follow it. We factor in your job, your activity level, other medications you take, and what matters most to you — whether that's gardening again, keeping up with grandchildren, or simply sleeping through the night.
Treatment usually combines several approaches rather than relying on one:
- Anti-inflammatory and pain-management medication
- In-office corticosteroid joint injections for targeted relief
- Physical therapy referrals to protect range of motion
- Weight and nutrition guidance to reduce joint load
- Coordination with rheumatology when DMARDs or biologics are indicated
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Long-Term Monitoring and Adjustment
Arthritis changes over time, and so should the plan managing it. Flares happen, medications lose effectiveness, and new joints become involved. Regular follow-up lets us catch those shifts before they cost you function.
Because Dr. Race serves as a primary care physician, arthritis care doesn't sit in isolation — it's managed alongside blood pressure, diabetes, and every other condition on your chart. That matters when medications interact or when steroid use affects blood sugar. Patients managing several conditions at once often benefit from enrolling in chronic care management.
We Answer Your Questions, So You Don't Have To Wonder
Below are the questions patients ask most often about arthritis diagnosis and treatment. If yours isn't here, call the office — we're happy to talk it through.
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Do I need a referral to be seen for joint pain?
No referral is needed to see Dr. Race. As a primary care physician, he can evaluate joint pain, order imaging and bloodwork, and begin treatment directly. If your case calls for a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon, he'll coordinate that referral for you — and continue managing your care alongside them.
How is arthritis actually diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines your symptom history, a hands-on joint exam, and targeted testing. X-rays show cartilage loss and bone changes; bloodwork checks inflammatory markers and autoimmune antibodies; uric acid levels help confirm gout.
No single test identifies every form of arthritis, which is why the exam and history carry so much weight.
Can arthritis be cured?
Most forms of arthritis are chronic and can't be cured outright — but they can be managed well. With osteoarthritis, the goal is controlling pain and preserving function. With inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis, modern treatment can often push the disease into remission, meaning minimal symptoms and little ongoing joint damage.
Are cortisone injections available in the office?
Yes. Corticosteroid injections can be performed in-office for accessible joints such as the knee, shoulder, and hand. Relief typically begins within a few days and can last several weeks to several months. Because repeated injections into the same joint carry risks, Dr. Race will discuss appropriate spacing with you.
Will losing weight really help my knees?
It genuinely does. Every pound of body weight translates to several pounds of force across the knee during walking, so even modest weight loss meaningfully reduces joint load. Weight reduction also lowers systemic inflammation, which helps beyond the knees. We can build a realistic plan rather than handing you a target and sending you off.
Is exercise safe when my joints already hurt?
In nearly all cases, yes — and avoiding movement usually makes stiffness worse. Low-impact activity like swimming, cycling, and walking maintains range of motion and strengthens the muscles supporting each joint. During an active flare, we may scale back temporarily. Dr. Race will tell you what's safe for your specific situation.
What insurance do you accept?
The practice accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare. Coverage details vary by plan, so we recommend calling the office to confirm your specific benefits before your first visit. Get in touch and our team will verify it for you.
We Answer Your Questions, So You Don't Have To Wonder
Patients considering a joint injection usually have the same handful of concerns. Here are straightforward answers to the ones we hear most often in our Dallas office.
Most patients describe brief pressure rather than sharp pain. The skin is numbed beforehand, and the injection itself usually takes less than a minute. Some soreness in the following day or two is normal and typically responds to ice.
Corticosteroid injections generally begin working within two to seven days. Hyaluronic acid injections act more gradually and may take several weeks before the improvement is clear.
If a numbing agent was included, you may notice a few hours of relief immediately after the appointment before it wears off. That's temporary and separate from the medication's real effect.
It varies considerably. Some patients get several weeks, others several months. The joint involved, the underlying condition, and how advanced the wear is all factor in. Pairing the injection with physical therapy or activity changes tends to extend the benefit.
Corticosteroid injections are usually spaced at least three months apart, with a limit on how many a single joint receives per year. Repeated steroid exposure can affect cartilage over time, so we track the count carefully and discuss alternatives when the limit approaches.
Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose for several days after the injection. If you have diabetes, let us know beforehand so we can plan for closer monitoring and, if needed, consider a non-steroid option instead.
In most cases, yes. Joint injections don't require sedation, so patients typically drive themselves home. If a large weight-bearing joint was treated and you feel unsteady, arranging a ride is the safer choice.
That result is still useful information. It may point to a different source of pain, a need for further imaging, or a condition better addressed surgically. We'll reassess at your follow-up and discuss whether a different injection type or an orthopedic referral makes more sense.
No referral is needed to schedule with our office. Coverage requirements vary by insurance plan, so it's worth confirming with your carrier — our staff can help you sort that out when you call.
What Our Patients Talk About Our Services
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Have a Question or Need to Schedule a Visit?
Our practice is here to support your healthcare needs. If you have questions about services, need to schedule an appointment, or would like to speak with our team.
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2909 S Hampton RoadSuite D107Dallas, TX 75224
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