Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of similar conditions that lead to joint inflammation and stiffness. Of the over 100 different types of arthritis, the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops with the normal breakdown of cartilage that occurs in your joints as you age. It can worsen with an injury or infection. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it happens when your immune system attacks the soft tissues in your joints and causes inflammation.

At A Plus Medical, the team diagnoses arthritis and can help you manage your symptoms with effective treatments. Treating your arthritis can slow its progression and help you maintain your joints’ flexibility and strength. Although arthritis tends to develop gradually as you age, you may get sudden symptoms that seem to come from nowhere. You can get arthritis at any age and are at a higher risk if you’re overweight or obese. 

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Despite the many different types of arthritis that can occur, the symptoms remain the same for most of them. Each form of arthritis affects your joints, resulting in:

• Joint pain
• Swelling and inflammation
• Redness
• Warmth
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• More severe symptoms in the morning

Depending on the type of arthritis you have, you might get a few other symptoms that affect more than just your joints. For example, rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue, anemia, fevers, and other complications. 

At A Plus Medical, the team encourages you to describe all of your symptoms in detail, even if they seem unrelated to your joints. They might also perform blood work, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests to find out which type of arthritis you have and create an appropriate treatment plan for it. 

What are my treatment options for arthritis?

The team at A Plus Medical helps you manage your arthritis with an individualized treatment plan according to the type of arthritis you have. Even though curing your arthritis might be unrealistic, you can greatly improve your range of motion and quality of life by following your treatment. You may need to try several approaches before you find one that works for you. Your treatment plan can include:

• Weight loss
• Medications to control pain and inflammation
• Immunosuppressants
• Physical therapy

If your arthritis requires complex treatment or surgery, the A Plus Medical team can refer you to a specialist for more advanced arthritis treatment. 

Stiff and painful joints shouldn’t stop you from living a productive and fulfilling life. For expert arthritis treatment and management, call A Plus Medical or request an appointment online today.