Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, including your ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, spine, and more. You may have arthritis because of an autoimmune condition, previous joint injury, or age-related wear. It’s a degenerative joint disease that can cause debilitating tissue damage or disability when left untreated.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint swelling, stiffness, and pain
• Warmth
• Redness
• Weakness 
• Instability
• Decreased range of motion
• Limited mobility 
• Visible joint deformities

Your symptoms could be mild or severe. They can become crippling in some cases when left untreated. Getting treatment for arthritis can reduce pain and help prevent future problems.

What are the risk factors for arthritis?

Anyone can develop arthritis. It’s a common chronic disease, especially among older adults. Factors that increase your risk of having arthritis include:

• Family history of arthritis
• Aging
• Previous joint injuries
• Excess body weight

Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack your joints. Men are more likely to have gout, a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup that usually affects your big toe joint.

How does my provider diagnose arthritis?

To diagnose arthritis and develop an effective treatment, the Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness team reviews your medical history and symptoms. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, paying close attention to your joints.

The specialists could recommend blood tests, urine testing, or joint fluid tests, as well as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds. 

How is arthritis treated?

Common treatments available for arthritis at Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness include physical therapy, massage, and joint injections. Providers offer hyaluronic injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, steroid injections, and more. PRP uses platelets from your own blood to stimulate cell revitalization and enhance natural healing.

Your provider could recommend taking medications, wearing a brace, using ice or heat packs, making lifestyle changes, or seeing a specialist if you need joint surgery.

To get relief from arthritis pain naturally, call the experts at Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness or schedule an appointment online today.