Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of diseases that cause inflammation and pain in your joints. Arthritis is chronic. While there’s no cure, the team at Health Solutions provides personalized management plans to relieve your pain and restore your quality of life. You can develop arthritis in any joint, including:

• Knees
• Hips
• Spine
• Fingers
• Wrists
• Shoulders 

Osteoarthritis, the degenerative type of the disease, is the most common form. It develops as the cartilage that cushions and lubricates your joints wears away. Without cartilage, your bones create friction when they rub together, leading to inflammation and pain. The irritation can also lead to bone spur development. 

Other common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. 

When should I talk to a doctor about arthritis?

You should make an appointment at Health Solutions if you have frequent joint pain, even if it doesn’t disrupt your life. In many cases, arthritis is progressive, and if you start treatment early, you can reduce the amount of pain you experience and overall disruption to your life. 

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Your Health Solutions doctor begins by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. They examine your joints for signs of inflammation, swelling, and fluid. Your doctor might also order blood tests to check for rheumatoid arthritis and gout. They often use X-rays and MRIs to examine the insides of your joints in more detail. 

How is arthritis treated?

Health Solutions takes a holistic approach to treating arthritis. The team combines conventional medicine with alternative therapies to reduce your pain and restore your overall health and wellness. They also tailor your treatment plan to address your specific needs. 

Your treatment plan might include medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, to reduce swelling and pain. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, your doctor might prescribe an immunosuppressant like prednisone or cortisone. 

Health Solutions also offers joint injections to relieve arthritis pain. Depending on your condition, your doctor might provide a corticosteroid injection to relieve your pain or hyaluronic acid to lubricate your joints. 

Your doctor might also recommend osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy, or changes to your diet. 

Call Health Solutions, or make an appointment online today, for expert management of arthritis.