Arthritis Management
According to the Arthritis Foundation, 46 million Americans (1 in 5 adults) are affected by the disease. In some cases, arthritis can become so severe that some people can no longer walk comfortably, climb stairs or participate in everyday activities. Though arthritis has no cure, it is possible to manage pain and stiffness with proper treatment, including medication, joint protection and exercise. Our orthopedists are experts at recommending treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and help you stay mobile and active. Should surgery be necessary, we provide state-of-the-art surgical techniques, including total and partial joint replacement.
What are the causes of Arthritis?
No one really knows, but there are several contributing factors:
- Heredity
- Obesity
- Trauma
- Repeated overuse
- Aging
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Autoimmune reaction (RA)
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and also the most common cause of joint pain. It is a progressive condition involving the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage lines the ends of your bones and acts as a shock absorber to protect the bones and allow smooth movement of joints. As this protective covering wears away, the bones begin rubbing against each other, causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement. The joints most commonly affected by OA are the knees, hips, fingers and shoulders.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) differs from osteoarthritis in that RA is not from overuse, but rather it is an autoimmune disorder. For unknown reasons, the body’s immune system attacks the healthy tissue called synovium that lines the joints. This causes chronic inflammation which destroys bone and cartilage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability.
What are the signs, symptoms and treatment options for arthritis?
If you would like more information and hands-on instruction, please call 916.423.5939 to sign up for our monthly seminar "Arthritis Management and Treatment Options." More details are available in our Classes & Events section.
To speak with a representative regarding Methodist Hospital's orthopedic services:
Please call our Ortho Hotline at 1.866.896.1678
