What Is Arthritis?
Are you experiencing joint pain that doesn’t seem to have an explainable cause? If so, you might have arthritis. Chances are good that you’ve heard of this condition, but maybe you’re not sure exactly what it is. Interestingly, arthritis isn’t one individual condition. Instead, the term “arthritis” is used to describe various types of joint disease. In fact, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. While your doctor will provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations, we’ve compiled the following information to assist you in the meantime.
The Most Common Types of Arthritis
As noted above, there are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. Some of the most common include:
- Osteoarthritis (a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage in joints starts wearing down)
- Psoriatic arthritis (an inflammatory condition experienced by certain individuals with psoriasis)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder that develops when someone’s immune system begins attacking the lining of his or her joints)
Arthritis Symptoms
Because there are so many different types of arthritis, and because symptoms may worsen as the disease progresses, arthritis symptoms will vary from one patient to another. However, some common symptoms of this joint condition include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Warmth
If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may also experience conjunctivitis (pink eye), nail pitting, lower back pain, and foot pain.
Arthritis Treatment
Many individuals with arthritis are able to find relief from their symptoms using conservative techniques. These may include:
- Pain medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Heat/cold therapy
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Periodic rest
Chances are good that your doctor will recommend that you try some combination of the above treatments. However, if these treatments fail to provide you with the relief you need, you may need to undergo joint repair or replacement surgery. Your doctor will be able to let you know whether you’re a candidate for surgery, and if so, whether minimally invasive surgery is appropriate for your specific condition.
Arthritis Treatment for Patients in Carson City, NV & Surrounding Areas
Fortunately for patients in the Carson City, Nevada, area, Tahoe Fracture & Orthopedic Medical Clinic offers exceptional arthritis treatment. Since our founding in 1966, we’ve grown to be the area’s premier orthopedic provider, having treated tens of thousands of patients in that time. We treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including arthritis, and we’d love the opportunity to help you restore your function, mobility, and quality of life. When you partner with us for arthritis treatment, you can expect to receive comprehensive care from our multispecialty team of physicians, surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
Contact Tahoe Fracture & Orthopedic Medical Clinic today to request an appointment with one of the experienced orthopedic specialists on our team. We look forward to meeting with you, letting you know what’s causing your joint pain, and developing a treatment plan designed to provide you with the relief you deserve.