Arthritis

What is arthritis?

More than 50 million Americans suffer from 100 different types of arthritis, a condition that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints.

The condition sometimes develops as a result of other diseases, such as osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. There are two main categories of arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune disorder in which enzymes attack and inflame the synovial membrane, the tissue lining that protects and lubricates the joints. The inflammation may eventually destroy the joint’s bones and cartilage.  Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia Rheumatica are other versions of inflammatory joint disease. 

Osteoarthritis

A common condition that occurs when overuse or aging of a joint degrades the cushioning cartilage that covers the ends of joint bones. Without the protection of the cartilage, the bones grind against each other, restricting movement and causing intense pain.  Osteoarthritis is most commonly experienced as shoulder pain, hip pain, and knee pain. 

How do I know if I have arthritis?

Symptoms common to both RA and osteoarthritis include joints that are painful, stiff, swollen, or have limited mobility. However, if you have RA, you may experience additional symptoms:

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Anemia

• Weight loss

• Inflamed eyes

• Inflamed lungs

• Reddened skin

• Bumps under the skin

Additionally, RA attacks the joints in the hands, elbows, shoulders, feet, and knees, whereas osteoarthritis affects the neck, hand joints, lower back, hips, and knees. 

What causes arthritis?

Osteoarthritis and RA have different causes, diagnostic requirements, and treatments. Some factors involved in both diseases include infections, prior injuries, smoking tobacco, a family history of arthritis, and occupations that require repetitive motions.  On-site X-rays are extremely helpful to determine the extent of arthritis in the joint.  Blood testing is also helpful to identify inflammatory markers. 

How can I treat arthritis?

Several traditional interventions can manage arthritis pain, such as over-the-counter painkillers being one example.  Pain creams containing lidocaine ,menthol help, too, along with anti-inflammatory medicines like NSAIDs.

You can also find relief with evidence-based lifestyle and alternative treatments:

• Physical therapy

• Heat and cold therapy

• Steriod injections

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Stem-cell therapy and regenerative therapies

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

RA may require further treatment and lifestyle changes:

• Eliminating pro-inflammatory foods

• Taking biologic response modifiers, such as etanercept and infliximab

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of arthritis, the team at the Integrative Pain can handle everything from diagnosis to treatment and lifestyle counseling. Call today for an evaluation or use the online scheduling form.

We service patients from all over the DFW area including North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Garland, Irving, Allen, Richardson, and University Park, Highland Park, Frisco and McKinney. 

https://www.integrativepaininstitute.com/blog/physical-therapy-for-fibromyalgia

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