Arthritis: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Arthritis is a common condition, especially among older adults. There are actually several different types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Regardless of the type of arthritis, they are all treated in many of the same ways.

Risk Factors

You are more at risk for arthritis if you have a calcium deficiency, do not have a high calcium intake, and/or have bone density conditions such as osteoporosis. You are also more likely to have arthritis if you are a woman. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are both autoimmune disorders, and a family history of these increases your risks.

Symptoms

The most common and usually the first symptom noticed is joint pain. Arthritis attacks the joints, causing them to ache, become swollen, and become weakened. Some other common symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Limited range of motion and mobility
  • Joint stiffness
  • Redness on or around the joint
  • Pain and swelling that do not improve with rest

If you have arthritis, you will notice that your symptoms worsen with weather patterns, strenuous or repetitive activity, or long periods without moving.

Treatment

There are several possible treatments for arthritis. Some patients benefit from cortisone shots in the affected joints to reduce inflammation for a longer period of time. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in keeping the joint from becoming too weak. However, these treatments are not permanent solutions.

Often, patients discover that their condition gets so bad that they have to get joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is very hard on the patient, with weeks or months of physical therapy needed afterwards. For some patients it is necessary.

However, there are a few new treatments that you could try to reduce joint pain and slow or stop the progression of joint deterioration. Stem cells and platelet rich plasma taken from your own body can be injected into the affected joint, promoting new cell growth and triggering the body’s natural healing responses.

If you think you may have arthritis and you want to try to avoid surgery in the long run, contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.