Is Arthritis Reversible?

Though there’s exciting research on the horizon, the most common forms of arthritis are one-way, long-term degenerative conditions that can’t yet be reversed. However, with treatment and lifestyle alterations, you can often slow or stop the rate of progression. 

We specialize in creating arthritis pain and treatment plans at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management, with two offices in the Des Moines, Iowa, area. We’re your partners when you need medical assistance with the symptoms of arthritis. 

A collection of conditions

Any condition or illness that causes joint inflammation falls under the arthritis banner. There are over 100 conditions considered arthritic. 

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease, with rheumatoid arthritis a distant second. About 19% of American adults have some form of the condition; the percentage increases as the population gets older. 

Osteoarthritis starts with the breakdown of the cartilage covering the ends of bones where they meet in joints. While wear-and-tear tends to increase as you get older, osteoarthritis isn’t always an inevitable part of aging. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own tissue, leading to the breakdown of joint structures. RA may also attack organs in your body, such as the heart or lungs. 

The loss of cartilage

As you lose cartilage, certain changes begin within the joint. Other soft tissues, like ligaments and tendons, become damaged. The synovium, the lining of some joints, deteriorates. Bones even change shape as osteophytes form, growths more commonly known as bone spurs. 

Inflammation and pain start in the deterioration process. In many patients, that might mean a loss of activity, which reduces joint flexibility and motion. Supporting muscles weaken, increasing stress on joint structures, particularly in load-bearing joints like the knees and hips. 

Bones coming into direct contact with each other can create significant pain. In advanced stages of degeneration, it could be time to consider joint replacement surgery. 

Controlling the progression

Though it’s logical to quit activities that cause pain in an affected joint, that’s often the wrong course of action for osteoarthritis. Your body works best in motion, so maintaining modest, low-impact activity can reduce the pain caused by the existing arthritis damage. 

Motion stimulates blood flow, delivering natural healing agents that reduce inflammation and ease pain. There are theories that your body could repair arthritis damage if the rate of deterioration wasn’t faster than the rate of healing. 

While most arthritis treatments focus on addressing symptoms, RA and other forms of arthritis can be controlled through medications. 

Add Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management to your group of arthritis care providers. Call or click today to set an appointment with the nearest of our two offices.