Arthritis pain can be debilitating and affects about one in four adults in the US. Don’t let joint pain from arthritis prevent you from enjoying life to its fullest. The team of board-certified pain management physicians at Pain Doctor NY in Midtown East, Manhattan, offer various treatments that ease arthritis pain. Call the New York City office to learn more about your options, or schedule an appointment online today.
Arthritis
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects your joints. Symptoms of arthritis include:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Stiffness
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
Symptoms of arthritis can worsen with age if left untreated. Avoiding treatment can increase joint damage and allow pain to negatively impact your life.
What are the types of arthritis?
Your doctor helps determine which type of arthritis you have to establish an appropriate treatment. Various types of arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis: joint wear and tear associated with age or an injury
- Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disease
- Juvenile arthritis: arthritis that occurs in children
- Gout: arthritis that results from too much uric acid buildup
- Psoriatic arthritis: arthritis that affects people with psoriasis
Pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis may be mild or severe. Your pain management physician personalizes a treatment plan just for you.
What are the risk factors for arthritis?
Numerous factors increase your risk of developing arthritis. Examples include a family history of arthritis, older age, previous joint injuries, and being overweight or obese. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while gout is more common among men.
What is the treatment for arthritis?
Your doctor recommends a treatment based on the type of arthritis you have and its severity. They review your medical history and symptoms and complete an exam, lab tests, or imaging test to make a diagnosis. Your treatment might include:
Natural remedies
Natural remedies may reduce arthritis inflammation and ease pain associated with it. Examples include changing up your diet, losing weight, exercising more, heat or ice, yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, and massage.
Medications
Taking oral medications or receiving steroid injections can reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and ease pain. Your doctor lets you know which medications best match your individual needs.
Surgery
In more severe cases, your provider might recommend surgery to repair a joint, replace it, or fuse a joint to restore its structure and function.
If you suspect you have arthritis, don’t wait to call your doctor as early treatment is the key to maintaining a high quality of life. Call Pain Doctor NY to learn more about arthritis treatment options, or schedule an appointment online today.