All You Need to Know About Arthritis, Including its Types, and How it is Diagnosed and Treated
Generally, approximately more than fifty million adults in the United States of America usually suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is a medical condition that mainly causes debilitating pain that ends up affecting your quality of life. That is why arthritis in Fort Worth is managed by a team of specialists who proactively treat and manage arthritis. They also provide various treatment options to help alleviate your pain, enabling you to resume participating in activities that bring joy and happiness to you.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a medical condition that causes inflammation and pain in your joints. Normally, there exist more than a hundred different types of arthritis. The inflammation and pain in your joint can be debilitating, preventing you from doing things that brighten your day.
What are the common types of arthritis?
Even though there are various types of arthritis, it is important to understand that some are common compared to others. Some of the common types of arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis
So far, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting more than thirty million people in the United States. It is also referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis. Usually, osteoarthritis develops over the duration as the cartilage that separated your bones at the joint fades away. When this happens, your bones start rubbing against each other causing bone-to-bone friction and pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
It is an autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system begins to attack your joints, causing pain and inflammation.
- Gout
Gout is typically a metabolic form of arthritis that occurs when there is a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which settles in your joints.
- Psoriatic arthritis
It is a skin condition that has an itchy and inflamed rash on your skin. Similarly, people who got skin psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis eventually.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
The facility’s healthcare providers take a holistic approach to medical care and keenly identify the underlying causes or causes of your joint symptoms. The specialists usually do a comprehensive physical examination and laboratory test to help him formulate a diagnosis. They may also request radiological examinations to get a closer look at your joint to assess the degree of the damage.
How is arthritis treated?
The specialist usually develops an individualized treatment plan to enable you to improve your arthritis pain together with your joint mobility and function. Your treatment plan may include steroid shots, exercises to improve the mobility and strength of your joint, anti-inflammatory medication, and disease-specific medications. The care provider may also refer you to a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise program. You can also benefit from natural supplements, osteopathic manipulation to improve your arthritis.
In summary, if you or someone close to you is suffering from arthritis, it is essential to seek medical care from a team of experts focused on promoting health. Therefore, call or visit Clover Internal Medicine today to properly diagnose the underlying cause identified and appropriate treatment given to manage symptoms like pain and inflammation.
