Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation estimates that 1 in every 5 adults is living with arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Overtime, the cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down and wears away, resulting in a painful rubbing of bone against bone. If you feel pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility– particularly after long periods of rest or long periods of activity–you may be experiencing the first signs of arthritis.

Several factors can contribute to the development of arthritis including age, excessive weight, injury such as fractures or surgeries, repetitive movement such as typing on a computer or mechanical work, and genetics.

Arthritis can occur in the hands, knees, hips, shoulders and spine. Typical treatments include exercise and physical therapy, pain medication, and surgical repair in severe instances.

Our team of orthopedic surgeons can help you to develop a plan for pain management and increased mobility. Contact us to schedule your visit.

Symptoms

  • Joint pain described as deep and aching. Pain may increase when you move and improve when you are resting
  • Stiffness in the morning, or after sitting for long periods of time
  • Joint swelling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Growth of visible bony knobs near joints

Causes

  • Age
  • Excessive weight
  • Previous joint injuries
  • Previous surgeries
  • Long-term engagement in activities that require repetitive motion

Risk Factors

  • Previous joint injuries
  • History of inflammatory joint disease
  • Repetitive use of the joint

Diagnosis

  • Physical exam to evaluate condition of joints
  • X-ray to determine narrowing of space between bones
  • MRI may be used in some cases

Treatment Options

  • Weight loss
  • Regular exercise and movement
  • Physical therapy
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
  • A surgical joint replacement may be recommended in severe cases