Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

When you think of arthritis, you probably think of osteoarthritis, the degenerative form of the disease. While osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects more than 27 million Americans, there are over 100 different kinds of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are other common types of the condition.

All types of arthritis cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around your joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that develops as the cartilage that cushions and lubricates your joints wears away and your unprotected bones experience excessive friction when you move.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your body attacks the synovial lining of your joints. Gout develops when you have excessive amounts of uric acid in your blood and uric crystals are deposited in your joint.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis has a strong hereditary factor, and if you have a close family member with arthritis, your chances of developing the condition increase. Other factors that contribute to arthritis include your age, previous joint injuries, and obesity.

Your age and weight contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, as over the years general wear and tear can take its toll on your joints and carrying extra pounds can exacerbate the degeneration.

How is arthritis treated?

Nasser Ani, MD, provides personalized treatment plans to manage your arthritis pain and other symptoms. Dr. Ani may prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling in your joints. You may also benefit from applying hot and cold therapies to your affected joints.

In addition, physical therapy or regular gentle exercises may be recommended to build strength and flexibility around your affected joints. Getting regular exercise can help you manage your weight, which reduces the physical stress on your joints. The physicians may also suggest joint injections such cortisone to reduce joint inflammation or hyaluronic acid injections (commonly referred to as “gel injections”) to provide lubrication of the joint.  New treatment with Orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow stem cells, are also available and you may discuss with the physician.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Ani performs partial and total knee replacement procedures. Dr. Ani also performs a hip replacement. Less invasive types of therapy will be tried before suggesting a joint replacement to relieve arthritis.

Don’t let joint pain get in the way of your life; call Ani Orthopaedics today or schedule an appointment online for expert orthopaedic treatments for arthritis.