Understanding Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is not just one condition. It is a general term used to describe joint pain. The two most common types we see are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is often called “wear and tear” arthritis; however, that term doesn’t exactly cover it entirely. Osteoarthritis develops over time as the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down. Osteoarthritis isn’t just a wearing down of the cartilage and affects the entire joint, including the ligaments and surrounding tissue. This type commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling. Other forms of arthritis include gout, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus-related arthritis.
Regardless of the type, arthritis symptoms often include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, and fatigue. Symptoms may come and go or gradually worsen over time.
Why Joint Health Matters
Healthy joints allow you to move comfortably and maintain independence. When joints become inflamed or damaged, even simple movements can become painful. Over time, untreated arthritis can lead to decreased mobility, muscle weakness, and a lower quality of life.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, we focus not only on treating pain but also on protecting joint health. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans can slow progression and help patients stay active longer.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
One of the most important steps in managing arthritis is getting the right diagnosis. Joint pain can have many causes, and not all joint pain is arthritis. During your visit, our providers will take time to review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
Diagnosis may include physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies such as X-rays. Identifying the type of arthritis helps guide treatment decisions and ensures you receive the most effective care.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Joint Health
Daily habits play a major role in managing arthritis pain. Small changes can make a big difference over time.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most impactful steps. Extra weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
Regular physical activity is also essential. While it may seem counterintuitive to move painful joints, gentle exercise actually helps reduce stiffness, strengthen muscles, and support joint stability. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and stretching are often well tolerated.
Eating a balanced diet supports overall health and may reduce inflammation. Foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can benefit joint health. Staying hydrated is also important, as joints need adequate fluid to function properly.
Managing Pain Safely and Effectively
Pain management is a key part of arthritis care, but it should always be approached thoughtfully. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve pain and inflammation when used appropriately.
In some cases, prescription medications may be needed to control symptoms or slow disease progression, especially for inflammatory forms of arthritis. Our providers carefully consider your overall health, other medications, and risk factors when recommending treatment options.
Non-medication approaches are equally important. Heat therapy can help relax muscles and reduce stiffness, while cold therapy may ease swelling and numb pain. Physical therapy can teach exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and joint function.
Protecting Your Joints in Daily Life
Joint protection strategies can help reduce strain and prevent flare-ups. Simple adjustments like using supportive footwear, maintaining good posture, and avoiding repetitive motions can make everyday activities easier.
Listening to your body is essential. Resting during flare-ups and pacing activities can prevent overuse and worsening symptoms. Using assistive devices when needed can also reduce stress on joints and improve safety.
The Role of Regular Medical Care
Arthritis is often a long-term condition, which makes ongoing medical care especially important. Regular checkups allow your provider to monitor symptoms, adjust treatments, and address concerns early.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, we believe in building strong patient relationships. We take time to answer questions, explain treatment options, and help patients feel confident in their care plan. Managing arthritis is not about a one-size-fits-all solution. It is about finding what works best for you.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Chronic pain can take a toll not only on the body but also on mental health. It is common for people with arthritis to feel frustrated, stressed, or discouraged. Addressing emotional well-being is an important part of comprehensive care.
Staying socially connected, practicing stress management techniques, and seeking support when needed can improve overall quality of life. If arthritis pain is affecting mood or sleep, discussing these concerns with your provider is an important step.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While occasional joint aches may not be cause for concern, ongoing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced mobility should be evaluated. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
If arthritis symptoms suddenly worsen, interfere with daily activities, or are accompanied by other concerning signs such as fever or unexplained weight loss, prompt medical evaluation is important.
Partnering With Cullman Internal Medicine
At Cullman Internal Medicine in Cullman, Alabama, we are committed to helping patients navigate arthritis pain with clarity and confidence. Our approach focuses on education, personalized care, and long-term joint health. We believe patients do best when they feel informed and supported.
If joint pain is slowing you down, you do not have to manage it alone. With the right care plan, many people with arthritis are able to stay active, comfortable, and engaged in the activities they enjoy. Together, we can find solutions that support your joint health and improve your quality of life.
Bethany is a board-certified family medicine Nurse Practitioner. She grew up in Cullman, watching her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, care for patients with both their hearts and hands. She learned from them that not only working hard, but loving and treating patients like family would develop the career that best suited her desire to help others. She has been caring for patients at Cullman Internal Medicine for 25 years. Building long-lasting relationships with her patients is important to her, and she genuinely enjoys being a part of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate, competent medical care which fosters an environment of mutual trust and respect.
Bobi Jo Creel is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC-ACNP) with over 20 years of nursing experience. Born and raised in Cullman County, Alabama, she is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to adults and seniors in her local community.
Alicia is from Thomasville, Ga, but practiced in Burlington, Iowa from 2017 until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2025. Most of Alicia’s experience is in rural primary healthcare, which is where she learned of her passion for caring for patients with diabetes. From 2023 – 2025, her sole focus was assisting individuals in manage their condition more effectively, with a strong emphasis on long-term health and prevention of complications.
Pam is a lifelong resident of Marshall County and a graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. Pam began her career in emergency and critical care nursing, serving in both the ER and ICU. When Marshall Medical Center North (MMCN) opened in 1990, she became the Nurse Manager of the ICU.
Stacey Varden is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works alongside Dr. Jeremy Stidham in Internal Medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and collectively has over 18 years of nursing experience. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she served as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, where she developed a strong foundation in acute and compassionate patient care.
Lorie Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner born & raised in Cullman, Alabama. Her nursing career began in 1997 after earning her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Wallace State Community College, followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2000. She gained extensive clinical experience working at both Woodland Medical Center and Cullman Regional Medical Center before advancing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Mollie Dockery, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages. With over 14 years of nursing experience and two years in advanced practice, Mollie brings a deep understanding of patient needs, especially in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and a strong commitment to individualized care.
Kristy is known for providing personalized, expert care in Sleep and Lung Health, where she empowers patients thru education, awareness, supportive listening and compassionate guidance. A Cullman native, Kristy is deeply rooted in our community and shares a sincere
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Nancy Cornell is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) committed to providing high-quality care to her patients. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2017, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2022. For two years, Nancy has been a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, applying her expertise in community urgent care to treat a diverse range of health needs.
Clark Still is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Cullman Internal Medicine. Clark is also the founder of New Beginnings Counseling of Cullman. He specializes in Christian-Based Professional Counseling.
Charlie Thornton has spent more than 24 years caring for others in a variety of healthcare roles—including paramedic, registered nurse, and for the past 10 years, nurse practitioner. He began his training at Wallace State Community College, completed his nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama, where he became board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Jeremy Stidham, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been caring for patients in Cullman for more than 15 years. He currently serves as President of Cullman Internal Medicine and the Cullman Physician Alliance, where he works alongside a team of dedicated colleagues to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Nathan is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in healthcare. For the past ten years, Nathan has been a vital part of the CIM team as a Nurse Practitioner, also serving as a hospitalist nurse practitioner when needed. His extensive foundation was built over 19 years as a critical care registered nurse. Nathan is an alumnus of Wallace State Community College (RN), Jacksonville State College (BSN), and UAB (MSN), holding his nurse practitioner certification from the ANCC.
Dr. Benjamin Rogers obtained a degree in Classical Studies from Hillsdale College before attending medical school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University. He joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2012.
Morgan McHugh, CRNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on diabetes management. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dr. Erin Britt is a compassionate physician proudly serving her local community as a hometown provider. Raised in Cullman, Alabama, Dr. Britt graduated from Cullman High School. Her desire to care for others lead to enrollment at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where she earned her medical degree.
The goal of my practice is to help patients achieve optimal health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, taking care of our mental health, and achieving quality sleep are all crucial for feeling good and living a healthy, enjoyable life. However, sometimes weight gain and hormone imbalances can get in the way.
Naykala is a Triple Board-Certified physician with over 25yrs of experience, dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care. Her practice emphasizes a whole-body approach, combining traditional Internal Medicine with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She evaluates complex medical conditions with a focus on identifying root causes–especially those contributing to weight gain—and provides thoughtful, integrative treatment plans. Naykala’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force deepened her commitment to non-pharmacologic pain management, and acupuncture has become a meaningful part of how she cares for patients.
Dr Parker grew up in Cullman County and attended West Point High School. His path to medicine was not direct. After high school, He attended Wallace State Community college and received an associates degree in business. Shortly after graduating Brian was married to his wife Karen. Unsure of what to do next he left his job as a butcher for the local Walmart distribution center where he would work for the next 7 years. After reflecting on his goals and desire to help others he decided to pursue medicine.
Dr. Vintson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician originally from Cullman. She graduated medical school from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL, and completed residency training at UAB Family Medicine in Huntsville. Dr. Vintson practices medicine seeing the patient as a whole person, understanding there are many components of one’s life that affects overall health and wellness. She loves seeing a variety of patient ages throughout her day and feels this is what makes family medicine and primary care so special. In addition to routine primary care she especially enjoys women’s health and preventative medicine, including Pap smears and menopause care, as well as diabetes management, nutrition, and mental health care. Dr. Vintson loves the Lord and enjoys time on the lake with her family, fishing, hunting, gardening, and podcasts. She has two young children and a loving husband of 12 years.
Dr. Adam Harrison is proud to serve his hometown of Cullman as a dedicated physician. A local from East Elementary through Cullman High, he earned his Biomedical Sciences degree from Auburn University, completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his residency at UAB Huntsville Family Medicine. Drawn by the opportunity to give back to his community, Dr. Harrison chose to build his career at Cullman Internal Medicine.