Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a widespread condition that affects the joints. It can cause joint swelling, pain, damage, and disfigurement when left untreated. If you’re at risk of developing arthritis or have symptoms of the disease, see the Rheumatology Associates team right away for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Reduced mobility
• Warmth
• Aching joints
• Visible joint deformities
• Other joint problems

Risk factors for developing arthritis include getting older, being overweight, and having a family history of arthritis. Previous joint injuries make you more vulnerable to developing arthritis.

When left untreated, the pain arthritis causes can be crippling and prevent you from completing simple everyday tasks.

What kinds of arthritis are there?

Many different types of arthritis exist, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: causes your immune system to attack healthy cells
• Osteoarthritis: often occurs because of an injury or aging
• Juvenile arthritis: develops in children
• Psoriatic arthritis: affects people with psoriasis
• Infectious arthritis: infection that spreads to your joints
• Gout: results from a uric acid buildup and usually affects the big toe
• Spondyloarthropathy: affects spinal bones and nearby joints
• Reactive arthritis: arthritis triggered by an infection

The experts at rheumatology associates determine which kind of arthritis you have and then develop the most effective treatment plan.

How does my doctor diagnose arthritis?

To find out if you have arthritis, the Rheumatology Associates team reviews your medical history and your symptoms. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam to look for signs of joint swelling and damage.

Rheumatology Associates providers might suggest that you have urine and blood tests. They can also do joint fluid testing and imaging procedures (X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or ultrasound) to make a final diagnosis.

How is arthritis treated?

How your arthritis is treated will depend on what kind you have and how severe it is. The Rheumatology Associates team could recommend that you make lifestyle changes, like changing your diet and exercising more, losing excess weight, or taking dietary supplements.

They often prescribe medications, recommend physical therapy, or suggest surgery to repair, fuse, or replace the affected joints.

Schedule an appointment today with Rheumatology Associates by phone or online to get relief from arthritis pain and reduce the risk of further joint damage.