Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that causes persistent swelling of the joints. The condition is often degenerative and tends to worsen with age. The best way to minimize the symptoms of arthritis is to seek interventional treatment early on. 

Protecting your joints now may help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation as you age.

Are there different types of arthritis?

Of the more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common are:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition that causes the cartilage covering the outside of your joints to break down. As the cartilage wears down, friction between the joints they protect can lead to swelling, joint enlargement, and even bone spurs. 

OA is a common cause of facet joint arthritis. These joints connect the bones in the spine, allowing you to bend and twist.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the joints in the hands, wrists, ankles, feet, and shoulders. Unlike OA, rheumatoid arthritis impacts the lining inside the joints.

Gout

Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in certain joints. The condition typically affects one joint at a time, most often the joint at the base of the big toe. Gout can cause sudden and severe pain, redness, and inflammation.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Reduced range of motion
• Limited mobility
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Warmth to the touch

Arthritis affects everybody differently. You may experience intermittent pain that comes and goes or chronic pain that substantially diminishes your mobility and quality of life.

What causes arthritis?

The way arthritis develops typically depends on the type you have, but common causes of arthritis include:

• Being an older adult
• Having a family history of arthritis
• Carrying excess weight
• Having previous joint injuries

Your sex can also increase your risk of certain types of arthritis. In general, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more vulnerable to gout.

What are the treatments for arthritis?

The pain specialists at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management use a multimodal approach to treat arthritis. After an accurate diagnosis, your physician may recommend one or more of the following arthritis treatments:

• Hyaglan® viscosupplementation shots for knee arthritis
• Facet joint injections
• Stem cell therapy
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

If you’re struggling with chronic pain from arthritis, call Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management or schedule an appointment online today.