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Bone, Spine & Joint Care

Arthritis

We can help manage the pain, lack of mobility and fatigue.

Arthritis Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Contact Us

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. Symptoms of arthritis may include pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and limitation of movement.

There are over 100 types of arthritis. Two common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis that many people get as they age. It can happen at any age, but it is most common in older adults. Osteoarthritis is usually called arthritis.

Arthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions your joints gradually breaks down. A joint is any place where two or more bones connect, like the knee, hip, wrist, or shoulder. When the cartilage wears down, the bones rub against each other. This causes damage and pain.

The symptoms of arthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints. Arthritis also makes it harder to bend the joint or get the full range of motion you used to have. The symptoms may be mild to severe.

Your doctor can often diagnose arthritis by asking you questions about your joint pain and other symptoms and examining you. You may also have X-rays and blood tests. Blood tests can help make sure another disease isn't causing your symptoms.

There is no cure for arthritis. But treatment can help slow or limit the breakdown of cartilage and help you reduce your pain and continue to lead an active life. You may need to try several types of treatment to find what works for you. If your pain doesn't get better with treatment, you may decide to have surgery.

Arthritis treatments may include:

  • Exercise and rest: Prolonged rest and days of inactivity will increase stiffness and make it harder to move around. At the same time, excessive or improper exercise can overwork your arthritic joint and cause further damage. A balanced routine of rest and exercise is best. Exercise in a swimming pool can be very helpful.
  • Uses for ice and heat: Ice packs on the knee (three times daily, 10 to 20 minutes at a time) are helpful for inflammation and temporary relief of pain and soreness. Heat applications in either the knee or hip make the joint feel less stiff.
  • Diet: There is no evidence that any specific foods will prevent or relieve arthritis symptoms. It’s important to keep excess weight off, however, because it aggravates arthritis by putting added pressure on the knee.
  • Medicines: Coated aspirin helps relieve pain and has few side effects. Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, (NSAIDS), such as Voltaren, Feldene, Naprosyn and Clinoril, are prescription drugs for pain and inflammation. Do not take aspirin if you are taking NSAIDS.
  • Cortisone shots: Cortisone shots are given for inflammation. For many people, joint arthritis is often made symptom-free for months or even years after cortisone shots. Two to three shots a year can be given without any side effects.
  • Arthroscopy: Arthroscopic procedures may be helpful for arthritis. In some cases, a “flap” of torn knee cartilage can aggravate arthritis and cause additional pain. The cartilage flap can be removed by arthroscopy.
  • Hyaluronate: This injection lubricates the knees and can reduce pain for 9–12 months. Three to five injections are given into the knee, one week apart.
  • Knee or hip Replacement: Knee or hip replacement is a very effective solution to the pain and disability of advanced osteoarthritis. The rough, worn surfaces of the joint are relined with smooth-surfaced metal and plastic components, thereby resurfacing the joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis in which your body's immune system attacks healthy parts of the body, especially the joints. This makes the joints swollen, stiff, and painful. Over time, it may destroy the joint tissues and make it hard for you to walk and use your hands.

Medicine may help control rheumatoid arthritis or keep it from getting worse.

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For more information and to find a surgeon near you, call 800-693-2273.

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