What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects the joints of your body. Of the more than 100 types of arthritis, the two most common are:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the otherwise healthy lining of the joints, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and joint disability.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear disease that causes the protective covering on the ends of the joints to break down. Without this protection, the joint bones rub together, creating friction and persistent pain.
You may be at increased risk for developing arthritis as you age, especially if you have a family history of the condition. If you’re obese, the added pressure on your joints can worsen arthritis pain.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The hallmark symptoms of arthritis are persistent pain and stiffness in your joints. You may also experience arthritis-related symptoms like:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Loss of range of motion
As arthritis progresses without treatment, you may lose function in your joints and develop a deformity that leads to a disability.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
During your evaluation for joint pain, your Marion Physician Associates provider reviews your personal and family history and physically examines your affected joint. They may ask you to perform certain movements to test your range of motion and assess the severity of your pain or disability.
While the Marion Physician Associates team can often diagnose arthritis based on your symptoms, they may request imaging tests, like X-rays, to evaluate the existing damage in the joint to create a treatment plan.
How is arthritis treated?
The goal of treating arthritis is to effectively relieve pain while slowing down the progression of the disease. Initially, you may use over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to keep comfortable. Your provider may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your joints and improve your range of motion.
If your arthritis is advanced, you may need corticosteroids to ease and prevent inflammation. If a deformity or disability is affecting your quality of life, you may be a good candidate for surgery to repair or replace the joint.
The Marion Physician Associates team specializes in managing chronic arthritis conditions and tailors your treatment to meet your needs. They can provide you with additional resources to help you cope with pain and limitations caused by arthritis.
Learn more about your options for managing arthritis by calling the Marion Physician Associates, P.A. office nearest you today or by requesting an appointment online now.
