What is arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a multitude of conditions that involve inflammation in one or more of your joints. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, and decreased mobility. Arthritis can affect your knees, hips, foot, ankle, and shoulder.
Arthritis symptoms vary and can come and go in flares. Over time, it can sometimes even lead to deformed joints.
Various factors can cause or worsen arthritis. Arthritis can be associated with infections, uric acid crystals, or underlying diseases. Some of the risk factors for arthritis include:
- Age
- Genetics
- Family history
- Previous joint injuries
- Lifestyle factors, such as nutrition and physical activity level
Talk to your provider at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. if you think you may be at risk for arthritis.
What are the types of arthritis?
There are many different types of arthritis. Below are some of the most common types.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis involves damage and wear-and-tear to the cartilage in your joints over time. In more severe cases, osteoarthritis can cause the bone to grind directly on bone, limiting movement and inflicting pain. An injury or infection can worsen or trigger osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
With rheumatoid arthritis, your body’s own immune system begins attacking the lining of joint capsules (the synovial membrane). The joints become inflamed and swollen, and the disease process can destroy cartilage and bone over time.
Other inflammatory arthritic conditions
Other inflammatory arthritic conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, can be linked to bacteria, genetics, and environmental factors. Ankylosing spondylitis can be especially painful. It results in the immune system attacking itself, leading to widespread inflammation throughout the body that can also affect other organ systems, such as the eyes.
In some cases, the cartilage and bones can incur damage and the spinal bones from the pelvis to the neck can calcify forming new bone, bone fusion, and a hunched posture.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
At Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., the team checks your joints for signs of arthritis and performs a physical exam. They also discuss your medical history and symptoms.
Your provider might recommend additional testing, such as an MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, and urine, blood, and joint fluid tests.
What are the treatments for arthritis?
Your provider at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. devises customized treatment plans based on your individual health, needs, preferences, and concerns. They might recommend a number of treatments, such as:
- Nutrition counseling
- Vitamin supplementation
- Exercise and stretching programs
- Assistive devices (such as a cane)
- Weight loss if you’re carrying excess weight
- Cold and heat therapies, such as a warm compress or ice packs
- Medications, such as anti-inflammatory, steroids, pain relief, and biologics
The Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. team works with you to determine the best course of treatment to manage your arthritis, relieve your pain, and enhance your quality of life.
Call the office or schedule your personal consultation online and find arthritis relief today.
