One of the signs are swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility, arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that cause pain. It’s a common condition, but what causes arthritis and how best to manage or even prevent it? It manifests as a constant pain or tightness in the joints, turning daily motions into excruciating or even impossible tasks. The doctors at Painless Medical Practice are ready to help you on your way if you have joint disease or are in search of arthritis pain relief.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis joint pain that can happen to anyone, no matter who they are. When someone has it, they often feel sore and stiff, and moving their body parts becomes tough. The most prevalent types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which we’ll explore further in the following sections.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. Bones are softer when some cushion-like parts between them break down slowly as we get older. Wear and tear can cause hurt, stiffness, and harder moving of joints, in both big and small ones. Aging, Joint Injury, Repetitive Stress: OA commonly linked with these factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a self-destructive immune condition targeting joint linings, officially called the synovium. The inflammation causes pain, swelling, and harm to the joint tissues. Over time, if not treated, rheumatoid arthritis can develop bendy joints and make life hard. Find out and treat problems early on to lessen pain and delay getting worse.
Causes of Arthritis
There are several factors that contribute to the development of arthritis, including:
- Age: As we grow older, the cartilage in our joints naturally deteriorates, increasing the risk of developing arthritis.
- Genetics: Certain genes are associated with a higher risk of specific arthritis types, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Weight: Carrying excess weight puts added pressure on joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and spine, increasing the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
- Injuries: Joint injuries can lead to the development of arthritis over time, especially if they are not properly managed.
- Infections: Some bacterial or viral infections can trigger arthritis, such as Lyme disease.
Arthritis Relief: Painless Medical Practice
The Painless Medical Practice attends to chronic and acute pains of arthritis diagnosed by Dr. Jaroslav Tymouch, a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist who seeks to relieve the suffering of patients with arthritis pain. With several years of experience in invasive procedures, medications, physical therapy, and alternative medicine, Dr. Tymouch and his team take great pride in their comprehensive method to treat pain syndromes.
Some of the arthritis treatment offered at Painless Medical Practice include:
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory arthritis medication, analgesics, and corticosteroids can help manage pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
- Laser Therapy: Treatment procedure that utilizes medical lasers, which are devices emitting monochromatic light, specifically a concentrated beam of light at a single, predetermined wavelength.
- Physical Therapy: A tailored physical therapy program can strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, improving mobility and reducing pain.
- Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care may help alleviate arthritis pain for some patients.
Preventing Arthritis
While it’s not always possible to prevent arthritis, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing the load on your joints can help prevent cartilage breakdown and the onset of arthritis.
- Exercise Regularly: Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can help keep your joints flexible and support overall joint health.
- Protect Your Joints: Use proper body mechanics when lifting or carrying heavy objects, and wear protective gear during sports or physical activities to prevent joint injuries.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can help reduce inflammation and promote joint health. Some examples include fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, and berries.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Quit using cigarettes can make you healthier in general and lower your likelihood of getting arthritis.
When Should I Go to the Arthritis Doctor?
If your joints are hurting, feeling stiff, or swollen a lot, you should talk to a doctor. It is important to diagnose problems with your joints quickly and start treatment early to keep you feeling better and lessen further harm. Contact Painless Medical Practice to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jaroslav Tymouch explore your options for managing and treating arthritis.
Understanding the causes of arthritis is the first step in managing and preventing the condition. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your joints, and seeking expert advice from professionals like Dr. Jaroslav Tymouch at Painless Medical Practice, you can take control of your joint health and enjoy a more active, pain-free life.