What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic joint pain. This condition occurs when one or more of your joints become inflamed. Arthritis often results from years of wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage that cushions and lubricates your joints.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Joint pain and inflammation is the most common symptom of arthritis. Other common arthritis signs and symptoms include:
- Joint swelling and stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Joint weakness or loss of strength
- Locking or buckling of the joint
Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Many forms of arthritis develop slowly and worsen over time.
What are common types of arthritis?
There are over 100 different types of arthritis. The team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center diagnoses and treats various forms of arthritis that affect adults. Some of the most common types of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in your joints wears away from degenerative damage. Osteoarthritis is most common in adults older than 45 and frequently affects the hands, knees, and hips.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes your body to attack the tissues that line your joints. This condition may affect many joints at the same time.
Crystalline arthritis
This condition involves inflammation that occurs when a small granule of sodium urate or calcium phosphate gets stuck inside your joint. Similar to a grain of sand in your eye, this causes irritation and inflammation.
How is arthritis diagnosed and treated?
First, your physician at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your medical history. They may also take diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray or bone scan, to evaluate the condition of your joint.
Then, they create a personalized arthritis treatment plan to relieve pain and improve joint function. Depending on the specific type and severity of your arthritis, treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Injection therapy
- Splinting or bracing
- Using cold packs
- Paraffin wax dips
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Immune-altering medicines
- Surgical procedures
Arthritis has no cure, but proper treatment at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center can dramatically improve your quality of life.
To learn more about coping with arthritis, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.
