Arthritis is a term that you’ve likely heard before – whether because you’ve been diagnosed with it yourself, or in passing.
Today we’ll talk about arthritis, what it is, the different types of it and some of the treatment options available for you.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis, at its simplest, is an inflammation of your joints – it causes pain and stiffness, and really can strike in any joint. In most cases, this kind of pain is chronic.
There are a variety of different kinds of arthritis, and each can impact your body in different ways – but symptoms across the board typically include pain, swelling, limited mobility and stiffness.
What Are The Different Types of Arthritis?
Different types of arthritis exist, each with different causes – including everything from wear and tear, to infections, and even underlying diseases.
Some of the most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis – this is the number one most common form of arthritis. It’s also known as degenerative joint disease, and is typically caused by wear and tear. Typically this type of arthritis is seen in hands, hips and knees, and is because of the cartilage of the joint breaking down.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – RA is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system attacks your joints. This irritation leads to the painful inflammation and stiffness in multiple joints at any given time. It can even lead to severe joint damage if left untreated.
- Psoriatic Arthritis – you may have heard of psoriasis, which is inflammation of the skin that can look red, swollen and scaly. But did you know that the same kind of condition can go on to cause arthritis and the inflammation of your joints? Around 30% of people with psoriasis will also experience psoriatic arthritis.
What Are The Treatment Options Available?
Regardless of what kind of arthritis that you have, treatment is available. There are a variety of non-invasive treatments and therapies, including:
- Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications
- Physical therapy
- Pain relief injections
If, however, you’ve tried the conservative treatment options with no relief, then surgery may also be a possibility for you to help improve quality of life. This could be anything from nerve blocks through to joint repair.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain caused by arthritis, don’t let it get worse.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation with our team of experts, we can develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
