Arthritis Pain Management in Nassau County, NY
Arthritis affects over 58 million Americans — and for many, it means years of worsening pain, stiffness, and shrinking activity. But arthritis does not have to mean a straight line to joint replacement surgery. At his Garden City and Lake Success offices, Dr. Edward Rubin offers a full toolkit of minimally invasive treatments to manage arthritis pain, preserve function, and give patients back the quality of life they've lost.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disease — it is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation. The two most common types Dr. Rubin treats are:
Osteoarthritis (OA) — Also called "wear-and-tear" arthritis. Cartilage breaks down over time, causing bones to rub against each other, producing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, hands, and shoulders.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) — pain management — An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks joint tissue. While rheumatologists manage the underlying disease, Dr. Rubin works alongside them to manage the chronic joint pain that RA produces.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
- Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest (early OA) — or pain at rest and at night (advanced OA)
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Swelling, warmth, or redness around a joint
- A grinding, crunching, or clicking sensation with movement
- Decreased range of motion
- Muscle weakness around the affected joint
- Pain that flares with weather changes, prolonged activity, or overuse
Joints Dr. Rubin Treats
- Knees — the most common site of osteoarthritis in the body
- Hips — hip OA causes groin, thigh, and buttock pain with walking and weight-bearing
- Shoulders — glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint arthritis
- Spine — facet joint arthritis in the lumbar and cervical spine (axial pain and referred pain)
- Sacroiliac joints — SI joint arthritis causing low back and buttock pain
- Hands and wrists — finger and wrist OA causing pain with grip and fine motor tasks
How Dr. Rubin Treats Arthritis Pain
Every procedure is performed personally by Dr. Rubin — never delegated — under imaging guidance for precision and safety.
PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP uses growth factors concentrated from your own blood to reduce joint inflammation and stimulate cartilage repair. It is one of the most promising treatments in regenerative medicine for mild to moderate osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee and hip. Studies show meaningful pain reduction and functional improvement lasting 12 months or more.
Corticosteroid Joint Injections
Targeted corticosteroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint, reducing pain and swelling quickly. Most effective for acute flares and moderate arthritis.
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid / Gel Injections)
Hyaluronic acid injections supplement the joint's natural fluid, restoring lubrication and cushioning in arthritic joints. Particularly useful for knee OA in patients seeking to delay joint replacement surgery.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Joint Nerves
For knee arthritis, genicular nerve ablation targets the specific nerves that carry pain from the knee joint to the brain, providing long-lasting relief (typically 12+ months) without altering the joint itself. The same approach is used for the sacroiliac joint and select spinal facet joints.
Facet Joint Injections & Medial Branch Blocks
For spinal arthritis (facet joint disease), targeted injections address the exact source of back or neck pain caused by arthritic facet joints.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
For SI joint arthritis — a frequently missed source of low back and buttock pain — corticosteroid injections confirm the diagnosis and provide meaningful relief.
Arthritis and the Non-Surgery Philosophy
Dr. Rubin's practice is built around one core belief: most arthritis pain can be managed effectively without surgery, at least for years and sometimes indefinitely. The goal is always to match the right treatment to the right joint at the right stage of disease — and to keep patients active and functioning as long as possible.
For patients already scheduled for joint replacement, Dr. Rubin works with their surgical team to manage pain before and after the procedure.
FAQs About Arthritis Pain
Can arthritis pain be cured? Arthritis itself cannot be reversed, but pain and function can be dramatically improved. Many patients manage their arthritis for years with periodic interventional treatments.
How is PRP different from a regular cortisone shot? Cortisone reduces inflammation in the short term (weeks to months) but can accelerate cartilage breakdown with repeated use. PRP uses your own biology to promote healing and has a more favorable long-term profile for joint health.
Is there an age limit for these treatments? No. Dr. Rubin treats patients from their 30s through their 90s. Treatment is tailored to the individual's overall health, activity level, and the severity of their arthritis.
What if I've already tried cortisone and it stopped working? This is common. When corticosteroids lose effectiveness, PRP therapy, viscosupplementation, or nerve ablation often provide relief where repeated injections no longer do.
Does insurance cover arthritis treatment? Corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation are generally covered by major insurance plans including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross. PRP and some viscosupplementation products may require out-of-pocket payment.
Treating Arthritis Pain on Long Island
Dr. Rubin sees patients at two convenient Nassau County locations — Garden City and Lake Success — with procedures performed at affiliated surgical centers including NYU Long Island and Northwell Health. Call 516-492-3100 to schedule your evaluation.