What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints in your body that causes stiffness and pain, from your shoulders to wrists, hips or knees to ankles. Arthritis can affect one or multiple joints and typically get worse with age.

There are several types of arthritis, however, the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to the Arthritis Foundation, “By conservative estimates, about 54 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.”¹ 80% of RA patients are between the ages of 35-50, and women are 3 times more likely to develop arthritis than men.

It is important to get an early and accurate diagnosis. You can see your primary doctor or a specialist to be evaluated to see if you have arthritis.

Treating Arthritis

There several ways to treat arthritis: medication, injections, surgery, physical therapy, and life style changes. Often times an approach that includes multiple modalities is most effective.

NSAIDS are a commonly used medication to help with inflammation. While there are other medications available, it is important to be evaluated by a pain specialist to determine what is medically appropriate based on your medical history and symptoms.

Diet

Changing your diet can help as well. Did know that there are foods that can decrease or increase inflammation? Learn about pain fighting foods. Life style changes are key when it comes to managing any type of chronic pain. While changing your eating habits can be difficult, it plays an important role in managing inflammation and maintaining a healthy weight. Click here to get ideas on how to find a cardio workout.

Pain Injections

Injections such as a cortisone shot may be helpful. The physicians at iSpine Clinics preform cortisone or commonly known as steroid injections under fluoroscopy, which allows them to carefully guide the injection to the correct location in the joint.  Click here to learn more about Interventional Procedures at iSpine.

Surgery may be an option, depending on the severity of your arthritis. The most commonly replaced joints are knees and hips.² Surgeons can also perform a joint fusion for certain parts of the body, such as wrists or fingers.²

Therapy

Physical therapy can also be helpful when managing arthritis pain. A physical therapist can teach you exercise to help strengthen the muscles around the joints that are causing the pain. They can also teach you functional things such as getting up from the floor or how walk properly with a cane or walker.

Need Relief?

Unfortunately, arthritis is a lifelong health condition, however, there is hope for relief. Contact iSpine Clinics to be evaluated to determine what type of treatment is right for you. Learn more about what to expect at your first appointment >

1. 1. About Arthritis, Accessed on 02.12.2019

1. 2. Arthritis, Accessed on 02.12.2019

Previously posted October 2019, updated April 2022