Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic disease affecting your joints. It commonly causes swelling, stiffness, and joint pain; the disease may become debilitating when not addressed. Millions of people in the United States have a form of arthritis and there are more than 100 different types. 

Common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Treatment can ease symptoms and prevent disease worsening. 

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis can cause:

• Joint swelling
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint pain
• Limited movement
• Reduced range of motion
• Diminished mobility
• Joint deformities 

Your symptoms might be milder in the early stages of arthritis and gradually progress over time if left untreated. 

What are the risk factors of arthritis?

Examples of arthritis risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Family history of arthritis
• Joint wear and tear
• Aging 
• Previous joint injury 
• Immune system irregularities
• Buildup of crystals in the joints (gout)
• Specific genes
• Repetitive movements, such as squatting or bending

Women and older adults are more likely to develop arthritis.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

To diagnose arthritis and develop an effective treatment plan, the experts at Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, discuss your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and medications. They check your vital signs, weigh you, determine your body mass index (BMI), and complete a physical exam. 

You might also need blood testing, joint fluid testing, urine tests, a skin or muscle biopsy, X-rays, or other imaging procedures. Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, also provides an array of heart function testing if you have specific risk factors. 

How is arthritis treated?

Treating arthritis depends on your symptoms, lifestyle, age, general health, the type of arthritis you have, its severity, and your goals.

Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, may recommend one or more of the following solutions:

• Diet and exercise counseling
• Medically supervised weight loss
• Medications
• Dietary supplements
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Splinting
• Bracing
• Nerve stimulation 
• Acupuncture
• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections  
• Assistive devices
• Joint surgery referral

While there’s no cure for arthritis, effectively managing your condition can ease symptoms, prevent complications, and maximize your quality of life, especially in your senior years.

Schedule an arthritis evaluation at Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.