Pain in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles can dramatically limit your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy daily life. Whether caused by arthritis, tendon injuries, bursitis, or chronic sprains, these conditions respond well to targeted interventional treatments.
Limb pain can arise from the joints themselves (arthritis, cartilage damage, labral tears), from the soft tissues surrounding joints (tendinitis, bursitis, ligament sprains), or from referred pain originating in the spine that mimics peripheral joint problems.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic joint pain, particularly in the knees, hips, and shoulders. As cartilage wears down, bones lose their cushioning, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness that progressively worsens. Tendon conditions — such as tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis, and Achilles tendinopathy — result from repetitive strain or age-related degeneration of the tendon fibers.
An important distinction in limb pain diagnosis is differentiating true joint pathology from referred pain. Hip pain, for example, can originate from the hip joint, the sacroiliac joint, or the lumbar spine — and each source requires a completely different treatment approach. Similarly, shoulder pain may stem from the rotator cuff, the cervical spine, or the thoracic outlet.
Dr. Bhakta's interventional approach uses targeted diagnostic injections and advanced imaging to confirm the exact pain source before recommending treatment. This ensures you receive the right procedure for the right problem.
Rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, bursitis, and frozen shoulder affecting daily function.
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and arthritis causing grip weakness and chronic aching.
Arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis affecting grip and fine motor skills.
Osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis, and tendinitis limiting mobility and comfort.
Osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, patellar tendinitis, and bursitis of the knee.
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, arthritis, and chronic ankle instability.
Degenerative cartilage breakdown affecting any major joint in the body.
Chronic ligament laxity and muscle injuries that haven't healed properly.
Chronic tendon inflammation and degeneration from overuse or aging.
Inflammation of joint cushioning bursae in the shoulder, hip, knee, or elbow.
Board-Certified Interventional Pain Specialist
Fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at Vanderbilt University. Board Certified for decades. Formerly served as Associate Professor at OU School of Medicine. Serving Tulsa since 2000.
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