Arthritis isn’t a disease in itself; it encompasses over 100 different conditions that involve damage or pain in your joints. However, some types of arthritis can also affect other parts of your body, including your skin, eyes, and lungs.
Arthritis is a progressive disease that affects men, women, and children of all ages. Though some types of arthritis are more common as you get older, other types affect kids at a young age. This condition also affects many different races, making it one of the leading causes of disability in the US.
Hundreds of different conditions fall under the arthritis umbrella. However, some of the most common forms include degenerative arthritis and inflammatory arthritis.
Degenerative arthritis occurs when the cartilage, or protective element, in your joint wears down and causes the bones to rub together. This usually happens over time, but can also result after an injury. Osteoarthritis is the most well-known form of degenerative arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis is a condition that happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining in your joints, causing inflammation and damaging the inside of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are common types of inflammatory arthritis.
Infectious arthritis is yet another form of this disease and is caused when certain bacteria enter the joint, causing inflammation and potential chronic damage. Infectious arthritis can be successfully treated with antibiotics; however, arthritis can become chronic in some cases.
The symptoms of arthritis vary, depending on the severity of your condition and what type of arthritis you’re managing. However, some common signs overlap in the different types of arthritis, which include:
You may also notice that your joint is red and warm to the touch, which could be a sign of either infectious arthritis or inflammatory arthritis.
Your pain may be constant or intermittent and can range from mild to debilitating in nature. As the disease progresses, your pain may become worse.
The Joint Regeneration of Lake Oconee team offers several treatments based on your symptoms and the type of arthritis you’re managing.
Conservative treatments are the first line of defense and include physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. These both help not only to decrease your pain, but also to increase your range of motion and mobility.
Joint injections are another option when medications alone aren’t helping. These injections are often used with other conservative treatments to maximize your mobility and pain relief.
To get more information on arthritis treatments, don’t hesitate to call the practice today or schedule a consultation on the website.
