It’s important to pay attention to any pain or stiffness you may be experiencing in your body or if you’re having trouble with mobility. These symptoms could potentially indicate arthritis, a common and often painful condition. If other treatments are unsuccessful in managing your pain, arthritis surgery may be required.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition, especially among people over 50, although it can occur at any age. It is a term used to describe a group of diseases that cause inflammation in the joints. Inflammation in the joints then leads to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It is also more common in women than men.
Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are over 100 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being one of the most common. Osteoarthritis is the result of wear and tear on the joints, which is why it is often referred to as the “wear and tear arthritis”.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. RA occurs on both sides of the body when your immune system is triggered and mistakenly attacks your joints. Things such as an infection, smoking, or emotional stress can trigger RA.
Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms can differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Commonly observed symptoms include stiffness, pain, swelling, and limited mobility of the impacted joints. In some cases, individuals may also experience fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
If you suspect that you have arthritis, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. An early diagnosis can help to prevent or slow down the progression and help reduce the risk of joint damage and disability. Your doctor may perform a physical examination and order X-rays or MRI scans, to confirm the diagnosis.
Arthritis Treatments
When it comes to arthritis, there’s a wide range of treatment options available, each tailored to the specific type and severity of the condition.
Medications
There are different types of medicines that can be used to treat arthritis, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications work to alleviate inflammation and pain in the joints that are affected by arthritis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a crucial part of arthritis treatment. It involves exercises and techniques to help improve joint mobility and flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the joints affected by arthritis. By improving mobility and strengthening muscles, you can help reduce pain and improve overall function.
Arthritis Surgery
Arthritis can sometimes require surgical intervention, especially for those who do not respond to other treatments. Joint replacement surgery is a common solution in such scenarios. This surgery involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial one.
Living with arthritis can be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. If you or a loved one are suffering from hand pain, make an appointment! We know how frustrating it can be to complete daily tasks when living with pain. We have the best New York Orthopedic Surgeons ready to develop a custom treatment plan—oftentimes without any surgical procedure at all. If you have any questions about your arthritis symptoms, give us a call!