What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage; the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint, to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
What Are Some Symptoms of Arthritis?
The symptoms of arthritis depend on the type , most commonly the symptoms involve:
Pain in the hands
Stiffness
Swelling
Redness
Decreased range of motion
Causes of Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis, which involves wear-and-tear damage to a joint's cartilage, which is the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and allows nearly frictionless joint motion, but enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis: In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.
Some Risk Factors Include:
Old age
Previous joint injuries
Genetics
Obesity
Diagnosis:
Common ways healthcare providers diagnosis arthritis is through a series of tests that may involve :
An x-ray
Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Treatments:
Common treatments for arthritis include:
Physical therapy- this can improve your range of motion and help strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints
Surgery- if more light treatments are not working, surgery may be needed for either joint repair, joint fusion, or joint replacement
Medication
acupuncture - reduces many types of pain
Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar is a family medicine practice focused on providing high-quality care to patients of all ages! We specialize in family practice, pediatrician and geriatrics, Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar team works closely with each patient to develop personalized care plans aimed at promoting health and wellness.
We accept most health insurance, and also those without health insurance.
Call us at 520-620-1200 to learn more about us today. Or visit our websitewww.tucsonclinicamedicafamiliar.com
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