Arthritis is a painful condition that is most common among individuals over the age of 50. The chronic condition is characterized by joint pain and inflammation. While there are 100 different types of arthritis, the most common are osteoarthritis, wear-and-tear arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease.
Arthritis can affect the joints in the body, starting from the hands down to the feet. If you suspect arthritis, the best thing you can do is to consult an orthopedic doctor to find out the best approach to managing your symptoms and continuing living your life.
In the meantime, here is an article on arthritis, where we talk about the causes and symptoms, and available treatments for it.
Causes of Arthritis
Different factors are at play in the development of arthritis, depending on the specific type at hand.
Osteoarthritis
- Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age due to the wearing down of joint cartilage over time. Years of use combined with age-related changes to the cartilage tissue make arthritis common in seniors.
- Joint Injury: Previous joint injuries from sports or other incidents can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Obesity: Excess body weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints, leading to a faster rate of wear and tear on the cartilage over the joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Autoimmune Response: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to joint inflammation.
- Genetic Predisposition: Genetics play a role in the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, with certain genetic markers increasing the risk.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors or triggers may also contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The severity and specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
- Joint Pain: Often localized, with pain worsening during or after movement.
- Stiffness: Joints may feel stiff, especially first thing in the morning or after being inactive.
- Bone Spurs: Formation of bone spurs around the affected joint.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the affected joint through its full range of motion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Symmetrical Joint Pain: Involves multiple joints and tends to occur on both sides of the body simultaneously.
- Swelling and Warmth: Joints may appear swollen and feel warm to the touch due to inflammation.
- Fatigue: Persistent fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Systemic Symptoms: Rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to systemic effects such as fever and weight loss.
Arthritis Treatment Options
The management of arthritis focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the overall function of individuals with the condition. Individualized treatment programs that combine different techniques and therapies are more likely to produce the best outcomes.
The following are some of the treatment options used in managing arthritis.
Medication
Some of the medications used to treat arthritis address the pain and chronic inflammation caused by the condition, such as:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
PRP injections can be used in the treatment of certain types of arthritis. It involves injecting potent platelet-rich plasma into the joint for reduction of inflammation and pain relief. Platelet-rich plasma injections boost the body’s natural healing properties for repairing damaged tissues and promoting tissue regeneration.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a therapeutic intervention that can help improve joint function in individuals with arthritis, as well as strengthen muscles that support the joints, which helps make symptoms more manageable.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making adjustments to daily activities is part of arthritis treatment. Modifications can help reduce strain on the joints. Some of the ways to do this include:
- Healthy Diet: Consume a well-balanced diet rich in foods that can help lower inflammation in the body. Vegetables, fruits, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are shown to help lower inflammation levels.
- Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight or work towards weight loss if necessary to alleviate pressure on weight-bearing joints.
- Joint Protection: Practice proper body mechanics and use assistive devices to minimize stress on the joints during daily activities. Some assistive devices are splints or braces and insoles.
- Adapted Work Environment: Make ergonomic adjustments at work to minimize joint strain. Desk height and the type of chair used can impact pain levels.
- Adequate Rest: Ensure sufficient rest and quality sleep to promote overall well-being and assist in managing arthritis symptoms.
Arthritis Treatment in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
The highly skilled orthopedic team at Total Orthopaedic Care provides treatments for all forms of arthritis. We offer you comprehensive orthopedic care and a treatment plan that is created just for you. Our goal is to help you get back to your life as quickly as possible.
To schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons, call our office today at (954) 735-3535 or use our online form to schedule your visit. We look forward to giving you the best in arthritis treatments in South Florida.
