What is arthritis?
Arthritis is joint inflammation that causes problems including swelling, pain, stiffness, and range-of-motion difficulties. Although symptoms can vary considerably from one sufferer to another, the one thing that most cases of arthritis have in common is that symptoms gradually worsen over time. There are technically more than 100 varieties of the disease, but the majority of arthritis cases are either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
How are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis different?
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are both painful and difficult conditions, but they're very different.
Osteoarthritis
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering your joints starts to break down. Osteoarthritis can affect virtually any joint in your body, but it's most common in the spine, hips, knees, and hands.
The most common osteoarthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, tender-feeling joints, reduced range-of-motion, and a grinding sensation as your joints rub together.
Rheumatoid arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks your joint tissue, starting with the synovial membrane lining the joints. It's classified as an immune disorder. Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and warmth. You may also experience chronic fatigue, fever, and poor appetite.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts in your smaller joints and is especially common in the hands. Over time, it can spread to any of the joints in your body. Eventually, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint erosion and deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis may cause symptoms in other parts of your body, such as dry eyes, dry mouth, lung inflammation, and skin nodules.
If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or range-of-motion problems, the Borum Family Health Clinic team can diagnose your arthritis and personalize a treatment plan for you.
How can I manage my arthritis symptoms?
The Borum Family Health Clinic team employs a whole-body approach to treating your arthritis. The ultimate goal is maximum comfort, range-of-motion, and quality of life, so your treatment may include both medications and lifestyle changes. Some of the many treatment options can include:
- Oral medication like anti-inflammatories, anti-rheumatics, or corticosteroids
- Topical creams or ointments
- Strengthening exercises
- Assistive devices
For severe cases of arthritis, in which you have major joint damage and your symptoms don’t get better with noninvasive treatments, you may need a minimally invasive procedure like joint injections or surgery. The team puts your whole-body wellness first so you can enjoy life free from debilitating arthritis symptoms.
Book an appointment online or call Borum Family Health Clinic for arthritis help today.
