Arthritis Management

Arthritis is inflammation in the joints that leads to pain and limited mobility in your body, affecting the quality of your life.

There are different types of arthritis, but typical symptoms include moderate to severe joint pain and stiffness. At Destiny Internal Medicine, we offer comprehensive treatment for arthritis, providing personalized care to manage these symptoms effectively.

The treatment for arthritis primarily includes medication, physical therapy, and surgery and depends on your specific type of the condition. The primary focus of treatment is on reducing symptoms and improving mobility in the body.

1. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease where joint cartilage wears away gradually.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful condition where the immune system mistakenly targets the joints. 
3. Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine's joints and ligaments.
4. Gout is a complex form of arthritis that occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joints.
5. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the common arthritis type seen in children under 16. 
6. Psoriatic arthritis affects those with psoriasis. 
7. Reactive arthritis happens due to an infection in the body. 

Each type of arthritis has different underlying causes and treatment approaches. 

Arthritis can show up in different ways, with various signs, symptoms, and levels of severity. The specific type of arthritis can determine where symptoms might appear in the body, affecting joints and bones in different areas. 

Common symptoms that may appear in an affected joint include:

• Pain 
• Stiffness
• Swelling 
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

In severe cases, arthritis can potentially affect your ability to perform daily tasks, thereby negatively impacting the quality of your life.

Anyone can develop arthritis, but several factors increase the risk of its occurrence. 

• Genetics: Certain types of arthritis are hereditary.
• Age: With old age, the possibility of developing arthritis increases.
• Gender: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more common in women, whereas gout is more commonly seen in men.
• Joint Injury: Joints that have been injured in the past are more prone to developing arthritis later on.
• Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of arthritis by placing additional stress on joints. 

The diagnosis of arthritis involves a thorough physical examination and the use of imaging tests to confirm findings.

At Destiny Internal Medicine, our healthcare professionals will carefully assess your symptoms and examine the affected joint during the physical examination. Additionally, imaging tests to get a detailed view of the damage inside your joints may be recommended in some cases.

Treatment for arthritis aims to alleviate symptoms such as pain and improve joint function. Arthritis management involves various treatments or a combination of treatments based on your condition. 

Depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of your symptoms, our physician may suggest over-the-counter medicines or prescribe specific medications. These may include:

• Analgesics can help reduce pain but not usually helpful for inflammation. 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve your pain and reduce inflammation. 
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help slow the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis. DMARDs help save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage.
• Counterirritants like creams and ointments when rubbed over the affected joints can help alleviate pain.

Injections

Injecting medication directly into the affected joint, such as the knee or shoulder, can offer relief from pain and inflammation. These injections aim to enhance joint function and stimulate healing and tissue regeneration. 

Injection options for managing arthritis include:

• Hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain effectively and enhance joint function. 
• Steroid injections, such as cortisone shots, help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Steroid injections are recommended if you have RA or other types of inflammatory arthritis.

Our team provides various medication treatments, including knee and shoulder injection shots, to manage arthritis.

Physical therapy involves a combination of active exercises and passive movements customized to your condition, along with massage and ice or hot packs treatment. It aims to alleviate arthritis pain and enhance mobility.

Occupational therapy is designed to improve functional independence, enabling a fulfilling life even with arthritis. This includes practical training on managing everyday tasks and the use of specialized aids, such as assistive devices and equipment, to protect the joints from further damage.

Making lifestyle modifications is crucial when living with arthritis to effectively manage symptoms. These adjustments can significantly alleviate symptoms and enhance overall health.

Physical activity and exercise are beneficial to improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce stiffness in the joints. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, biking, stretching, and yoga, can be beneficial for managing arthritis.

We also advise maintaining a proper diet, managing weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake to help in arthritis management.

When other treatments fail to alleviate arthritis symptoms, surgical intervention may become necessary. In cases of severe arthritis where significant joint damage has occurred, surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures to repair or replace the joint can effectively address arthritis-related issues.

Arthritis is a common health condition that can significantly impact your quality of life and lead to complications without proper treatment. 

With effective arthritis management, you can maintain an active and productive life. At Destiny Internal Medicine, we offer comprehensive care and medical assistance to address your specific condition and treat arthritis. 

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call us at 720-324-4777 or request an appointment online.