What is arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation in one or more joints. When a joint is inflamed, it may be swollen, red, and tender to the touch. Arthritis often causes stiffness that makes it difficult to move or use the affected joint normally. You can have arthritis in one joint or multiple joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, some of which are more common than others. Arthritis can affect children, but the likelihood of developing most forms of the disease, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, increases with age.
What causes arthritis?
Various types of arthritis have different causes. The following includes the two most widespread forms of arthritis and their causes:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to cartilage, which is the protective tissue that coats the ends of your bones. When this occurs, your bones can grind against one another and cause pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body’s immune system attacks the tissue that lines your joint capsule, called the synovial membrane. As this autoimmune disease progresses, it can damage cartilage and bone.
How do I know if I have arthritis?
Signs and symptoms of arthritis include pain, redness, swelling, and a decreased range of motion in one or more joints. If you experience these symptoms, the Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute team can help. They accurately diagnose your condition and create an individualized treatment plan so you can return to your normal activities.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
First, the Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute team performs a comprehensive orthopedic exam and reviews your medical history. Depending on the type of arthritis they suspect, you may need one or more diagnostic tests, such as an on-site X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
How is arthritis treated?
The Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute team provides personalized arthritis treatment tailored to your needs. They explore conservative treatment options first, such as:
- On-site physical therapy
- Medications to relieve pain
- Medications to reduce inflammation
- Medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
If conservative treatment doesn’t provide adequate relief, your orthopedist may recommend surgery. The team at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, including joint repair, joint fusion, and joint replacement. For excellent care of arthritis, call Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute, or request an appointment online today.