Arthritis in Boston
The limitations of arthritis can make it difficult for you to stay physically active. If chronic arthritis pain is interfering with your life, the experts at Boston Advanced Medicine can help. The qualified team of pain management specialists offers innovative arthritis treatments. Learn more about your options for treatment by calling our office today.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is chronic inflammation of the joints, affecting just one or multiple joints. While the condition is common as you get older, arthritis can affect people at any age.
Arthritis commonly develops in joints like:
- Hips
- Knees
- Elbows
- Ankles
- Spine
- Fingers
- Shoulders
Women are at increased risk for developing arthritis, but the condition affects men, too. You may also be at increased risk for arthritis if you’re overweight.
What causes arthritis?
There are over 100 types of arthritis, but two of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Cartilage protects your joints by absorbing the impact of your movements. As the cartilage begins wearing down over time in certain types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, you gradually develop arthritic symptoms.
In rheumatoid arthritis, your body attacks the soft tissue that produces fluids to lubricate your joints. Eventually, these attacks destroy the cartilage and bone of the joint, leading to mobility issues and other arthritis symptoms.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The most common symptoms of arthritis include pain and stiffness in the joint. The inflammation can make it difficult for you to perform certain tasks and experience a limited range of motion in the joint.
Depending on the severity of your arthritis, you may also develop deformities in the joint if arthritis is left untreated.
What treatments are available for arthritis?
The team of experienced pain management specialists recommends early intervention for arthritis to ease your pain and prevent the progression of the disease.
Initial treatment options may include ice or heat therapy to reduce inflammation. You may also benefit from medications, such as anti-inflammatories, that relieve pain and reduce joint inflammation.
Physical therapy can help improve the strength of the muscles surrounding the arthritic joint to increase your flexibility. Also, facet joint injections are an effective treatment option to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. This type of injection uses a local anesthetic to numb nerve in the area of the joint.
If you’re overweight, it’s important that you make changes to your diet and exercise program to help you reduce the extra pressure on your joints.
If chronic pain is affecting your ability to work or reducing your overall quality of life, schedule a consultation at Boston Advanced Medicine by calling our office today.
