Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of conditions characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints. It affects people of all ages and can significantly impact one's quality of life. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

What are the Types of Arthritis?

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. It typically affects the hands, wrists, and feet, and can lead to joint deformity if left untreated.
• Gout: Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe joint pain, especially in the big toe.

What are the stages of Osteoarthritis?

While the progression can be different for each individual, generally, osteoarthritis is classified into four stages:

• Stage 1 - Minor

In the minor stage, there might be slight wear and tear on the joint. There may not be many physical symptoms, although slight damage to the cartilage can be detected through medical imaging.

• Stage 2 - Mild

In this stage, patients start to experience symptoms. X-ray imaging can show osteophytes (bone spurs) starting to form, the space in the joint may be narrowing, and the cartilage is becoming thinner. Symptoms might include stiffness after inactivity, pain that comes and goes, and tenderness when pressure is applied.

• Stage 3 - Moderate

At this stage, there is significant cartilage loss, and the space between the bones becomes even narrower. The damage is more severe and the bone is likely to have thickened. Symptoms include more frequent pain, inflammation, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint.

• Stage 4 - Severe

The severe stage of osteoarthritis is when the cartilage between the bones is nearly or completely gone, leading to a "bone-on-bone" situation. The synovial fluid is unable to adequately lubricate the joint, causing severe pain and inflammation. The patient may experience chronic pain and limited mobility. At this stage, there may be a need for surgical intervention, such as a joint replacement.

What are the Causes of Arthritis?

The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type, but common factors include:

• Age: The risk of developing arthritis increases with age.
• Genetics: Some types of arthritis have a hereditary component.
• Joint injury: Previous joint injuries or trauma can contribute to the development of arthritis.
• Autoimmune factors: In autoimmune arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own joints.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis may include:

• Joint pain, tenderness, and swelling
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Warmth and redness around the affected joints
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Joint deformities (in advanced cases)
• Difficulty with everyday tasks and reduced mobility

How is Arthritis Diagnosed?

To diagnose arthritis, our healthcare professionals may utilize various methods, including:

• Reviewing medical history and symptoms
• Physical examination to assess joint tenderness, swelling, and pain level 
• Kinetisense, an Artificial Intelligence tool to assess range of motion
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds to visualize joint damage or inflammation
• Blood tests to identify markers of inflammation or specific antibodies in the case of autoimmune arthritis

Treatment Strategies for Optimal Results 

We specialize in the noninvasive treatment of arthritis that causes pain and functional limitations.  

Our team uses the most innovative diagnostic tools in the office, like the Kinetisense, to evaluate your range of motion (ROM) using artificial intelligence and extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  

Treatment usually includes joint injections, trigger point injections and ultrasound-guided injections, an approach that focuses on balancing the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems to stimulate optimal natural healing.  

These injections can encourage healing and relieve pain effectively, there are also other treatments that can further stimulate your recovery. In some cases, pain management is part of your treatment.  

Virtual reality rehab can supplement or replace traditional physical rehab to help you rebuild your strength, flexibility, and motor skill.    

Book your appointment online or call InnovateMed Medical Group today.