Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis doesn’t refer to a single disease but involves more than 100 different arthritis-related joint conditions. People of any age, race, and gender are affected by arthritis. Arthritis has no cure, but its symptoms are manageable with treatment.

Two or more of your bones come together to form joints. Hard, rubbery tissue called cartilage protects your joints.

Age, disease, or injury can damage that cartilage, causing bones to rub together. Joint damage causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Severe arthritis can deform the joints and make simple things like walking or standing difficult.

Two of the most common types of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by “wear and tear” on the joints due to age, disease, injury, or obesity. More people have osteoarthritis than any other type of arthritis. It usually affects the hips, knees, and spine. With osteoarthritis, movement can be especially painful.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks different parts of the body. It usually attacks the joints, but can also affect the eyes, lungs, and other organs

Am I at risk for arthritis?

During your annual wellness exam, your provider at Farr Medical Group, Inc. will assess your risk of arthritis, among other conditions. Arthritis risk factors include:

• Age: The risk of osteoarthritis and RA increases with age.
• Heredity: Some forms of arthritis are passed down among families.
• Injury: Injured joints are more prone to arthritis in later years.
• Obesity: Extra pounds add stress to joints, leaving them prone to arthritis damage.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop RA, while men are more likely to have gout. 

How is arthritis treated?

Arthritis causes and symptoms vary from person to person. Farr Medical Group, Inc. personalizes every arthritis treatment plan based on your health history, pain level, and lifestyle. Managing arthritis involves:

• Exercise to strengthen muscles that surround joints
• Heat and cold therapy
• Healthy diet
• Healthy weight
• Low-impact activity
• Medication
• Orthotics for joint support

Your treatment plan is designed to keep you active and pain-free while preventing future joint damage. 

You don’t have to live with pain. To learn how you can reduce arthritis joint pain and inflammation and improve your quality of life, call Farr Medical Group, Inc., or schedule your appointment online today.