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What type of Arthritis do you have?
Did you know that there are several different types of arthritis? According to Arthritis.org, there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases and all of them can be life altering and create a very painful existence.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It's also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) or "wear and tear". This condition is when the joints of your hands, shoulders, hips, knees and even your spine deterioriate over time. Since it's degenerative, it cannot not be prevented, but there are things that one can do to mitigate the affects of it.
First and foremost, maintaining a healthy weight is paramount. Extra weight puts extra pressure, "wear and tear" on your joints/bones/ligaments/tendons. Obesity can speed up the effects of "aging" or "degeneration". Enjoy a healthy diet (check with your doctor about anti-inflammatory diets) and exercise at least 3-4 times per week. Exercise can keep the joints and surrounding framework nice and strong.
Other types of arthritis are rheumatoid (RA), Juenile Idiopahic Arthritis (JIA) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and they are autoimmune disorders. These disorders causes the body's autoimmune system to attack the body. These conditions are symptomatic beyond the musculesketal system. TA and JIA can affect any system or organs of the body. PsA mainly affects the joints and causes the skin to erupt in red or silver scaly skin patches.
Even Gout is a form of inflammatory arthitis. It is caused by a build up of uric acid in a joint, usually the big toe, but it can affect other joints. With Gout, either the body is producing too much uric acid or the body is not removing it fast enough. The pain with Gout is often described as a burning or "fire" like pain.
While these conditions cause painful joints, they are often treated by different specialists. If you are having arthritic type pain, start with your primary care doctor and they should be able to guide you to the appropriate specialist if needed.
The great news is that many arthritic conditions can be managed rather well, so you don't have to live in pain. Treatments are different depending on the type of arthritis you're experiencing. Treatments can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), prescription medications and injections, but somtimes surgical intervention is necessary.
Contact us for an appointment if you think you are symptomatic for arthritis. Your relief is just a phone call away. 210-477-5151.