What is arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that causes inflammation in your joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and a decreased range of motion. Arthritis symptoms can be constant or come and go, and the pain can range from mild to severe. Often, the joint pain that comes with arthritis gets worse with age. Arthritis can cause pain in your shoulders, hips, knees, hands, and feet.
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis results when your cartilage — which protects your joints by helping them absorb pressure — breaks down, usually from wear and tear. Without the cartilage, your bones can rub against each other.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disorder in which your body attacks your tissues, resulting in inflammation. This immune response can make you lose your appetite or feel tired.
Who is at risk of developing arthritis?
There are many types of arthritis, and there’s not always a traceable cause for each case. However, factors that increase your risk include:
- Having one or more immediate family members with arthritis
- Age, as the likelihood of developing arthritis increases as you get older
- Gender, with women being more prone to developing arthritis
- Previous joint injury, which can speed up the degeneration of a joint
- Obesity, which can increase the pressure you put on your joints
If arthritis progresses, it can cause permanent joint damage. Fortunately, this complication is preventable with early detection and treatment.
How is arthritis treated?
If you’re experiencing joint pain that may be the result of arthritis, your doctor at Metro Pain and Vein Centers will perform a physical exam. The exam may include observing your range of motion in the affected joints and inspecting them for signs of redness, swelling, and warmth. You may also undergo tests, such as blood and joint fluid tests, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
Treatment for arthritis will focus on relieving your joint pain and improving your mobility. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your doctor may prescribe:
- Analgesics
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Counterirritants
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
- Biologic agents
- Corticosteroids
Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to provide pain relief and help your joints stay flexible.
To get treatment for arthritis, book an appointment with Metro Pain and Vein Centers online or over the phone today.
