Currently accepting new patients
Address

‍
2007 Medical Pkwy, Suite B
San Marcos, TX 78666
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Office hours

Mon - Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Weekends:
Closed

Phone

Phone: (512) 298-1645

Fax: (512) 298-1795

Accepted insurance

- Aetna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Champ VA
- Cigna
- CMS
- Connected Senior Care Alliance
- Friday
- GEHA
- Humana
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Oscar
- Railroad Medicare
- Smarthealth
- Tricare
- Triwest
- United Healthcare
- WellMed
- Worker's Compensation
- Private Pay

What Is Joint Pain?

Joint pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or inflammation affecting any joint in the body, including the knees, hips, shoulders, and spine. It can develop from arthritis, injury, overuse, or underlying pain conditions that change how the body moves and functions. Symptoms range in severity from mild discomfort to major pain that limits daily activities and reduces overall function.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, our pain specialists work to identify the root cause of each patient's symptoms and develop a treatment plan suited to their specific needs. Our San Marcos clinic serves patients throughout the surrounding area, including those traveling from New Braunfels and other communities in Central Texas.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

How Joint Pain Affects the Body and Daily Life

Joint pain can affect mobility, strength, and the capacity to perform routine tasks. As symptoms develop, patients may experience reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and shifts in how the body moves to compensate for discomfort. Over time, those changes can place added stress on neighboring joints and increase overall pain.

For many patients, ongoing joint pain also contributes to chronic pain, fatigue, and declining physical activity levels. Common symptoms associated with joint pain include:

  • Stiffness or reduced flexibility in the affected joint
  • Swelling or visible inflammation
  • Persistent or intermittent pain that worsens with activity
  • Knee pain or hip pain limiting walking or standing
  • Neck pain or discomfort that radiates to surrounding areas
  • Nerve pain caused by inflammation pressing on nearby nerves
  • Difficulty with movement or completing daily activities

Seeking medical attention early, before symptoms progress into chronic pain, is one of the most effective ways to preserve long-term mobility and function.

How Joint Pain Affects the Body and Daily Life

Joint pain can affect mobility, strength, and the capacity to perform routine tasks. As symptoms develop, patients may experience reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and shifts in how the body moves to compensate for discomfort. Over time, those changes can place added stress on neighboring joints and increase overall pain.

For many patients, ongoing joint pain also contributes to chronic pain, fatigue, and declining physical activity levels. Common symptoms associated with joint pain include:

  • Stiffness or reduced flexibility in the affected joint
  • Swelling or visible inflammation
  • Persistent or intermittent pain that worsens with activity
  • Knee pain or hip pain limiting walking or standing
  • Neck pain or discomfort that radiates to surrounding areas
  • Nerve pain caused by inflammation pressing on nearby nerves
  • Difficulty with movement or completing daily activities

Seeking medical attention early, before symptoms progress into chronic pain, is one of the most effective ways to preserve long-term mobility and function.

A physical therapist in blue scrubs examines a woman's lower back as she sits on an exam table in a clinic, lifting her shirt slightly to expose the area.

Pain Management Treatments for Joint Pain Near San Marcos

Managing joint pain effectively requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both symptoms and their root cause. At Greater Austin Pain Center, our board certified physicians and pain management specialists develop a customized plan for each patient based on their medical history, diagnosis, and recovery goals. The following treatment options may be part of that plan:

For patients whose symptoms respond to conservative care, non surgical approaches are often explored first. Your care team may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint, improve stability, and restore range of motion. Physical therapy, coordinated alongside GAPC's in-house services, supports recovery without the risks associated with surgery.

When conservative care alone is not sufficient, interventional pain management treatments are available. These minimally invasive procedures are designed to target pain at its source and reduce inflammation. Options may include:

For more complex or chronic conditions, the latest minimally invasive therapies, including advanced interventional options, may be considered when other treatment options have not provided adequate relief. Medication management may also be incorporated as part of a broader pain management strategy to help control symptoms and improve function during recovery.

Our individualized approach means that no two treatment plans are identical. Your pain management specialist will work with you to determine which combination of services best fits your condition, lifestyle, and goals.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

Your Path to Care at Greater Austin Pain Center

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Step 1: Schedule Your First Appointment

Getting started is straightforward. You can schedule your first appointment online or by calling our San Marcos office. Our team currently accepts new patients and works with a wide range of insurance providers to help make care accessible. When you call or submit a request, our staff can answer questions about coverage and help you prepare for your first visit.

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Step 2: Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Understanding Your Pain

At your first visit, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms in detail. Additional diagnostic testing such as imaging may be ordered to gain a better understanding of the underlying cause. This comprehensive evaluation gives your care team the information needed to establish an accurate diagnosis before recommending any treatment.

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Step 3: Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Once your diagnosis is established and test results have been reviewed, your pain management specialist will create a customized plan that reflects your specific needs, condition severity, and recovery goals. Your treatment plan may combine non surgical approaches, interventional procedures, medication management, and referrals for physical therapy, depending on what is most appropriate. The goal is to target the root cause of your joint pain while supporting your overall function and quality of life.

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Step 4: Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

Joint pain treatment is rarely a single visit. Your care team will monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide consistent support throughout your recovery. Follow-up appointments allow your doctor to evaluate how you are responding to treatment, address any new symptoms, and make sure your plan continues to serve your long-term goals. Treating chronic pain requires sustained, compassionate care, and our team is committed to being a consistent resource for patients in San Marcos and the surrounding area.

Testimonials

5 gold stars

"Dr. Jarzembeck is AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend her for anyone suffering in pain. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients pain has been dealt with."

Genia G.
5 gold stars

"Everyone is so friendly and helpful, Dr. Bednar came to me and explained the procedure and answered my questions. Highly recommend!"

Maggie G.
5 gold stars

"Dr. Julia is the best! The staff is professional and friendly to all. Best of all, Dr. Julia is finding solutions for my chronic pain! Never thought that it would be possible. It's a journey for me, but it seems like there is a solution."

Nancy M.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I seek medical attention for joint pain?

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If joint pain is affecting your ability to perform daily activities, worsening over time, or accompanied by swelling and stiffness, it is a good idea to seek medical attention. Early evaluation by a pain specialist gives your care team the opportunity to identify the underlying cause, begin the right treatment plan, and work to prevent symptoms from developing into chronic pain. Patients in San Marcos, TX and the surrounding area can schedule an evaluation at our local clinic.

What pain management treatments are available for joint pain?

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Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. At Greater Austin Pain Center, treatment may include joint injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, viscosupplementation, platelet rich plasma, and regenerative medicine, among other minimally invasive procedures. Medication management and referrals for physical therapy may also be part of your customized plan. Your pain management specialist will recommend the combination of treatments best suited to your diagnosis and goals.

Can joint pain develop into chronic pain if left untreated?

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Yes. Without appropriate care, joint pain can progress into chronic pain that affects mobility, strength, and daily function. Treating chronic pain is more complex than addressing it early, which is why our team encourages patients dealing with persistent or worsening symptoms to seek evaluation sooner rather than later. An individualized approach and early intervention are often key to better long-term outcomes.

How do your board-certified physicians determine which treatment is right for me?

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Our board certified physicians review your full medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order additional diagnostic testing to gain a complete picture of your condition. Test results, symptom severity, and your personal recovery goals all inform the final treatment plan. This individualized approach ensures that your care reflects your specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Does insurance cover joint pain treatment at your San Marcos clinic?

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Greater Austin Pain Center works with many insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, Tricare, United Healthcare, and others. If you have questions about whether your plan covers specific services at our San Marcos clinic, our staff can help clarify your benefits before your first appointment. Workers' compensation and private pay are also accepted.

Do you serve patients from New Braunfels and surrounding areas?

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Yes. Our San Marcos, TX location is conveniently situated along the I-35 corridor and is accessible to patients from New Braunfels, Kyle, Wimberley, and other communities in the region. If you are looking for high quality care for joint pain without traveling far, our San Marcos office offers the full range of pain management services available across all Greater Austin Pain Center locations.

Lunch & Learn With Our Doctors

Curious about interventional pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.

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Get Joint Pain Relief at Our San Marcos, TX Office

If joint pain is limiting your movement, affecting your work, or making daily life harder than it should be, the pain specialists at Greater Austin Pain Center are ready to help. Contact our San Marcos, TX office to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward personalized pain relief. Call us at (512) 298-1645 or schedule online. With locations in Austin, Kyle, and Dripping Springs in addition to San Marcos, our team serves patients across Central Texas and is committed to delivering compassionate, high quality care at every visit.

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