More than 23% of American adults are living with arthritis; that’s approximately 54 million people. Unfortunately, half of those people also experience mobility issues. If you are one of those individuals, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical treatment. At American Pain Consortium, our interventional pain management specialists regularly diagnose and treat arthritis.
If you are interested in learning more, make an appointment by calling the office or schedule an appointment today.
Arthritis is a group of chronic diseases that cause swelling and tenderness in your joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes your cartilage––a soft, cushion-like substance that pads your joints––to deteriorate, causing your bones to rub up against one another, causing pain and stiffness. And rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your synovium or the lining of your joints.
The most common symptoms of arthritis affect your joints. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, you might experience:
Left unmanaged, arthritis can also affect your mobility, preventing you from performing even simple tasks, such as running errands or going on a walk with friends.
Arthritis affects men and women of all ages and races. However, certain factors may increase your risk of arthritis, including:
Your gender also plays a role. For example, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more likely to suffer from gout. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in your joints.
To diagnose arthritis, your provider reviews your medical history, asks you questions about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. Your doctor also carefully examines your joints for redness, swelling, and warmth.
Additionally, your provider asks you to perform a series of light exercises to see how well you can move your joints. If these tests don’t provide adequate information, your doctor might also order diagnostic X-ray or MRI imaging.
Whenever possible, one of our specialists uses conservative, non-invasive measures to treat joint pain caused by arthritis. For example, your doctor might recommend healthy lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising more regularly, or eating a well-balanced diet. Your doctor can recommend certain foods that fight inflammation, which can help ease your symptoms.
If these methods of care don’t provide adequate relief, they might recommend physical therapy, bracing, injections with corticosteroids, and non-opioid medications. If necessary, your doctor can also refer you to an orthopedic surgeon or other specialists in the area for further evaluation to discuss additional management options.
Arthritis pain isn’t always easy to live with, but it is possible to treat and manage. To request your appointment at American Pain Consortium, schedule an appointment today.