Pain Institute of Southern Arizona

Pain Institute of Southern Arizona The Pain Institute of Southern Arizona is Arizona’s premier clinic for pain management! We empower people by helping them to get their life back.
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The Pain Institute of Southern Arizona has specialized in interventional pain management for over 15 years. Our mission is to provide compassionate medical management of pain in a friendly, caring environment. Our physicians’ focus is to find the cause and effectively treat pain with the most advanced techniques and technologies available. We understand that pain from an illness or injury can beco

me so severe that it disrupts daily activities and normal routines. The goal is to restore function of the body and improve the quality of life of those suffering from pain.

“Comfort in every step.”Shoe inserts are helpful because they improve how pressure is distributed across the foot when s...
06/17/2026

“Comfort in every step.”

Shoe inserts are helpful because they improve how pressure is distributed across the foot when standing, walking, or running. By adding support in key areas, they can reduce excessive strain on specific parts of the foot that might otherwise take on too much load. This more balanced pressure distribution can improve overall comfort during daily activities and prolonged periods of standing or movement.

They can also help improve alignment and movement efficiency in the lower body. When the feet are better supported, it can positively influence how the ankles, knees, hips, and even the lower back move together. This can lead to smoother motion patterns and reduced compensation from other joints, which is especially beneficial for people with structural or biomechanical imbalances.

“Fix the friction behind the snap.”For Snapping Hip Syndrome, management typically focuses on reducing irritation and im...
06/16/2026

“Fix the friction behind the snap.”

For Snapping Hip Syndrome, management typically focuses on reducing irritation and improving how the hip moves and feels over time.

Common approaches include activity modification to avoid repetitive motions that trigger symptoms, along with guided stretching to improve flexibility in the hip flexors, iliotibial band, and surrounding muscles. Strengthening exercises for the core, glutes, and hip stabilizers are often used to improve joint control and reduce the snapping sensation during movement.

Other non-surgical options may include physical therapy techniques such as soft tissue work, movement retraining, and posture or gait correction. In cases where symptoms persist, targeted interventions like image-guided injections may be considered to reduce inflammation in affected tendons or bursae.

“More than a harmless pop — understand snapping hip syndrome.”Snapping Hip Syndrome is a condition where a person feels ...
06/15/2026

“More than a harmless pop — understand snapping hip syndrome.”

Snapping Hip Syndrome is a condition where a person feels or hears a snapping, clicking, or popping sensation in the hip during movement, especially while walking, standing up, rotating the leg, or exercising. The sound or sensation happens when a muscle or tendon moves over a bony part of the hip joint. It can occur on the outside of the hip, near the groin, or deep inside the joint itself. Some people only notice the snapping without pain, while others may experience discomfort, tightness, weakness, or irritation with repeated movement. The condition is more common in athletes, dancers, runners, and people who perform repetitive hip motions.

There are different types of snapping hip syndrome depending on which structure is involved. External snapping hip occurs when the iliotibial band or gluteal tendon moves across the outer hip bone, while internal snapping hip involves tendons near the front of the hip joint, often the iliopsoas tendon. A less common form, called intra-articular snapping hip, is related to issues inside the hip joint itself, such as cartilage or labral problems. Symptoms may become more noticeable after prolonged activity, climbing stairs, getting in and out of cars, or certain twisting motions. Although the snapping can sound alarming, it is often related to soft tissue movement around the hip rather than bones “dislocating” or breaking.

"Beat the desert pollen—control your environment, control your symptoms."Managing summer allergies in Tucson often focus...
06/12/2026

"Beat the desert pollen—control your environment, control your symptoms."

Managing summer allergies in Tucson often focuses on reducing exposure to common local triggers like grass pollen, mesquite, ragweed, and dust, which can be especially intense during the hot, dry months. A big part of control comes from being mindful of outdoor conditions—pollen counts tend to be higher in the early morning and on windy days, so limiting outdoor activity during those times can help. Keeping windows closed, using air conditioning with clean filters, and showering after being outside can also reduce the amount of allergens that linger on the skin, hair, and clothing and make their way indoors.

Inside the home, maintaining a clean environment can make a noticeable difference since desert dust and pollen easily circulate in dry climates like Tucson. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter, washing bedding frequently, and using air purifiers can help reduce airborne irritants. Staying hydrated can also help keep nasal passages more comfortable in the dry heat. Because symptoms can vary throughout the season depending on weather patterns like monsoon winds or dust storms, adjusting daily habits based on conditions can make symptoms more manageable overall.

"When the seasons change, don’t let pollen take over your day."Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system reacts to...
06/11/2026

"When the seasons change, don’t let pollen take over your day."

Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system reacts to airborne substances such as pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds that are present at certain times of the year. In people with allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies these normally harmless particles as threats and releases chemicals like histamine. This reaction leads to common symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and throat irritation. These symptoms tend to appear during specific seasons when pollen levels are highest, often in spring, summer, or fall depending on the type of plant.

The severity of seasonal allergies can vary widely from person to person and may be influenced by environmental factors such as weather, wind, and air quality, which affect how much pollen is in the air. Some individuals may only experience mild discomfort, while others have more persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities and sleep. Because pollen exposure changes throughout the day and across seasons, symptoms may also fluctuate in intensity, often worsening outdoors or in dry, windy conditions when pollen is more easily dispersed.

"Free the nerve—relieve the pressure and restore your hand’s function."Treatment for ulnar tunnel syndrome focuses on re...
06/10/2026

"Free the nerve—relieve the pressure and restore your hand’s function."

Treatment for ulnar tunnel syndrome focuses on relieving pressure on the ulnar nerve and reducing symptoms in the hand and wrist. A common first step is modifying activities that aggravate the condition, such as avoiding prolonged pressure on the palm or repetitive wrist movements. Wearing a wrist splint, especially during sleep or activities that strain the wrist, can help keep the area in a neutral position and reduce nerve irritation. Physical or occupational therapy may also be used to improve wrist mechanics, strengthen supporting muscles, and encourage movements that place less stress on the nerve.

If symptoms persist or become more severe, additional medical interventions may be considered. These can include anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling around the nerve. In cases where conservative measures are not effective, surgical procedures may be performed to relieve pressure by expanding the tunnel or releasing structures compressing the nerve. The choice of treatment depends on symptom severity, duration, and the degree of nerve involvement, with the goal of restoring function and preventing further nerve damage.

"Don’t let a pinched nerve take the strength out of your hand."Ulnar tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the...
06/09/2026

"Don’t let a pinched nerve take the strength out of your hand."

Ulnar tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through a narrow space in the wrist called the ulnar tunnel (or Guyon’s canal). This nerve is responsible for sensation in the ring and little fingers as well as controlling some of the small muscles in the hand. When it is compressed, it can disrupt normal nerve signaling, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in those fingers. It may also affect grip strength and fine motor control in the hand.

This condition often develops due to repetitive wrist movements, prolonged pressure on the palm, wrist injuries, or structural changes that reduce space within the tunnel. Over time, irritation of the nerve can worsen, causing symptoms to become more persistent or noticeable during activities that involve gripping, cycling, typing, or leaning on the wrist. In some cases, individuals may also experience hand weakness or difficulty with coordination, especially in tasks requiring precise finger movement.

"Cut the carbs, fuel the fat—train your body to burn smarter."The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohyd...
05/30/2026

"Cut the carbs, fuel the fat—train your body to burn smarter."

The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate eating plan designed to shift the body’s primary energy source from glucose (sugar) to fat. By drastically reducing carbs and increasing fat intake, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, where it begins breaking down fat into molecules called ketones for energy. This change typically involves cutting back on foods like bread, pasta, rice, and sugary items, while emphasizing foods such as meats, fish, eggs, oils, nuts, seeds, and non-starchy vegetables.

In ketosis, the body becomes more efficient at burning fat for fuel, which can lead to weight loss in some people. It may also influence appetite regulation, often resulting in reduced hunger. However, the diet can be restrictive and requires careful planning to maintain proper nutrient balance. Some individuals may experience short-term side effects during the initial adjustment period, sometimes referred to as the “keto flu,” which can include fatigue, headaches, and irritability. Long-term success depends on consistency and ensuring the diet is nutritionally complete.

"From stiffness to strength—treat early, move better, live easier."Treatment for osteoarthritis of the elbow typically b...
05/29/2026

"From stiffness to strength—treat early, move better, live easier."

Treatment for osteoarthritis of the elbow typically begins with conservative approaches aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and slowing progression. This often includes activity modification to avoid movements that aggravate symptoms, along with structured physical therapy to maintain or improve range of motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles that support the joint. Supportive measures such as bracing or using the arm in more ergonomic ways during daily tasks can also help reduce stress on the elbow. Many people also use anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers as needed to manage discomfort and swelling.

When symptoms become more severe or significantly limit daily function, more advanced interventions may be considered. These can include minimally invasive procedures to address joint irritation or remove loose bone fragments that contribute to stiffness or catching sensations. In more advanced cases where joint damage is extensive, surgical options may be explored to restore movement and reduce pain. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the patient’s activity level, and how much the condition affects quality of life.

Protect your elbow—when cartilage wears down, every move counts.Osteoarthritis of the elbow is a degenerative joint cond...
05/28/2026

Protect your elbow—when cartilage wears down, every move counts.

Osteoarthritis of the elbow is a degenerative joint condition where the smooth cartilage that cushions the bones in the elbow gradually wears down over time. As this cartilage breaks down, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Although it is less common in the elbow compared to weight-bearing joints like the knees or hips, it often develops in people who have had repetitive use of the joint, prior injuries, or a history of heavy manual labor or sports that place stress on the arm.

As the condition progresses, the elbow may become increasingly stiff, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the arm. Some people may also notice grinding or catching sensations within the joint due to roughened bone surfaces or the formation of bone spurs. Swelling can occur intermittently, especially after activity, and daily tasks such as lifting, reaching, or carrying objects may become more challenging. Over time, these changes can affect overall arm function and comfort in routine movements.

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4881 E. Grant Road Suite 201
Tucson, AZ
85712

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm

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