Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to joint inflammation, a generic symptom that defines many types of arthritic diseases. Four of the most common include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs as the cartilage covering the ends of bones breaks down. The problem develops over years of daily movement, most often affecting large joints like your knees, hips, and shoulders. As the cartilage wears away, the exposed bones grate against one another.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that typically begins in the small joints of your hands and feet. This condition occurs when your immune system attacks the synovial tissues lining the joint, causing extensive inflammation. Without treatment, the inflammation erodes the bones and leads to joint deformities.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis appears in people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly, and very itchy patches of thickened skin. You’re most likely to have psoriatic arthritis in your fingers, toes, wrist, ankles, knees, and lower back.

Gout

Gout develops when uric acid crystals accumulate in your joints. Your body usually eliminates uric acid, but when blood levels rise, it ends up in a joint. Gout typically affects the joint at the base of your big toe.

What symptoms does arthritis cause?

Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Gout is notorious for sudden flare-ups that occur at night and cause extreme pain.

Some types of arthritis cause joint inflammation, swelling, redness, and a low-grade fever. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can spread to other body areas, like your eyes, lungs, and skin.

With the exception of gout, arthritis symptoms are mild at first. But these are progressive diseases; as time goes on, joint damage increases, and your symptoms worsen.

How is arthritis managed?

The Rheumatology Clinic of Houston diagnoses and manages all kinds of arthritis. Dr. Rehman creates a treatment plan that focuses on relieving your pain, improving joint movement, and slowing down joint damage. Common treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic medications
• Topical pain relievers
• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Physical therapy
• Dietary changes
• Weight loss

No matter what type of arthritis you have, the earlier you get treatment, the better your results. For example, DMARDs can prevent joint deformity by putting rheumatoid arthritis into remission.

With treatment from the Rheumatology Clinic of Houston, you can maintain optimal health even with arthritis. To schedule an appointment, call or book online today.

Notes: We provide comprehensive diagnosis and management for all kinds of arthritis