Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in your joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, all of which have unique signs and symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Pain that’s relieved by gentle movement, or sometimes heat
• Locking, clicking, or catching in your joints

These symptoms may also come and go depending on your overall health, activity level, and certain lifestyle factors, such as your diet, the types of exercise you choose, and the weather.

What causes arthritis?

Since there are so many types of arthritis, there are a number of categories used to differentiate arthritis types based on their causes. These categories are:

Degenerative arthritis

Degenerative arthritis — also called osteoarthritis — is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by wear-and-tear. It mostly affects the knees and shoulders, though it can show up in any joint that’s overused or has been injured in the past.

Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis is caused by inflammation and can affect multiple joints at one time. Common types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Infectious arthritis

Infectious arthritis is caused by an infection that attacks the structures in your joint. This may be an infection brought on by surgery or an infection that spreads from an open wound. Infectious arthritis requires emergency medical care because it can permanently damage a joint if left untreated.

Metabolic arthritis

Metabolic arthritis occurs when your body produces certain metabolic end products that are then deposited in your joints and cause pain. Gout is the most common type of metabolic arthritis.

Depending on the location of your pain — such as your knees or shoulders — and the types of things that trigger your pain, the team can narrow down the potential cause of your discomfort.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

To diagnose arthritis, the team performs a consultative, physical exam, and may order X-rays or blood work to look for signs of joint damage or inflammatory chemicals in your blood. Based on the exam, your provider diagnoses the cause of your pain and explains the type of arthritis you have.

How is arthritis treated?

Treatment for arthritis focuses on reducing pain and improving joint function. The team may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Soft tissue therapy
• Joint mobilization
• Physical rehabilitation
• Lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight or exercising more

All treatment plans are personalized based on your condition and unique symptoms, so you get the best care possible.

To schedule a visit at Bryant Medical Group for arthritis, call or click to book online now.