What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a progressive disorder that causes inflammation and pain in your joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common that affect adults as they age are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis describes the breakdown of the protective cartilage that covers the ends of bones in your joints. Without this cartilage to help your bones glide over each other, friction occurs that causes inflammation and pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of immune system dysfunction that causes your body to mistakenly attack the otherwise healthy lining of your joints.
In addition to your age, your family history, your weight, and previous joint injuries are factors that increase your risk of developing arthritis.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Hallmark symptoms of arthritis include swelling and stiffness in your joints. Over time, it becomes more difficult to move your joints freely and without pain.
Other common symptoms of arthritis include pain, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. Without treatment, your joints can ultimately become twisted and deformed, which makes it difficult for you to stay physically active.
You should schedule an evaluation at Coastal Pain Medicine for joint pain if you can’t work or go about your usual routine because of chronic joint pain. You should also request an evaluation if you have arthritis pain that continues to worsen even with at-home care.
How is arthritis treated?
If over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain medicines aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms, Dr. Brennan and the Coastal Pain Medicine team can help. They offer several in-office procedures to reduce pain and improve joint function.
You may benefit from one or more treatments, such as:
- Prescription medicines
- Steroid injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
These treatments not only help relieve your persistent arthritis pain, but they can also help you put off or avoid surgery. The Coastal Pain Medicine staff can work with you on incorporating certain exercises into your daily routine to improve joint flexibility and minimize your pain.
They also offer holistic therapies like acupuncture to promote better blood circulation and natural pain relief.
If you’re limited by arthritis, find out which treatment options are right for you by calling Coastal Pain Medicine or by requesting an appointment online today.
