Arthritis Management Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis (or osteoarthritis) is a condition that causes the surfaces of your joints to become inflamed and to degrade and break down over time, resulting in symptoms like pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion in the affected joint. Arthritis can affect any joint, including the ones in your feet and your spine. Most commonly, it occurs in the knees, ankles, hips, wrists, hand and neck. Although it occurs most commonly in people as they get older, it can also occur in younger people, especially athletes whose joints are subjected to excessive wear and tear. It can also develop after an injury or following some types of surgery. A second type of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints.

What symptoms does arthritis cause?

The primary symptom of arthritis is pain in the joint, especially when the joint is moved. Other symptoms include:

• stiffness in the joint

• reduced range of motion

• reduced flexibility

• inflammation or tenderness around the joint

• increased feelings of heat in the tissues around the joint

• creaking or grinding noises or sensations in some joints, particularly the knees

Pain can be intense and throbbing or may present as a dull and persistent ache. Symptoms are often worse after a period of inactivity, and they may also become worse when the joint is exposed to cold temperatures.

How is osteoarthritis treated?

First, your joints will be carefully evaluated to determine the extent of the disease. Treatments can include oral or injected medications to relieve pain and inflammation, injection of synthetic joint fluid, bracing and splinting, physical therapy, and in very severe cases, joint replacement surgery.