Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50 million Americans (one in four adults) experience some form of arthritis. While the most common form is osteoarthritis (OA), there are many other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis affects everyone differently, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Even moderate arthritis pain can interfere with daily activities and the ability to work. At Republic Spine and Pain, our medical experts offer several pain management treatment plans to help alleviate and treat arthritis symptoms. We have two convenient locations in Georgetown and Austin, Texas.
Arthritis is actually a category of several illnesses and injuries that cause joint inflammation throughout the body. Some forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis are caused by wear-and-tear or injuries to the joints, usually the knees, wrists, or shoulders.
Other forms like rheumatoid arthritis are caused by an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue, leading to inflammation and possible joint deterioration over time.
Joint pain and stiffness are the most commonly reported symptoms of arthritis. Other possible symptoms include:
According to the CDC, arthritis-related medical costs and lost wages account for more than $300 billion every year. While anyone can develop arthritis, some factors can increase the risk, including:
Some forms of arthritis are more prevalent in women (like rheumatoid arthritis), while others are more prevalent in men (such as gout).
Arthritis may not always be preventable, but there are a few things you can do to protect your joints and lower your risk:
Taking a proactive approach can limit your risk of arthritis in the future.
If you’re dealing with arthritis pain, we can help. Our pain management treatment plans are customized to address your specific needs and lifestyle. Arthritis treatment is typically comprehensive and may include a combination of lifestyle modifications to improve your diet, physical therapy and a tailored exercise plan, and medication.
We also offer targeted treatments to manage joint pain and soft tissue damage including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit, viscosupplementation, and cortisone injections.
Arthritis is progressive and usually gets worse over time, often resulting in permanent joint damage. Even if your symptoms are relatively mild, schedule an appointment for a consultation and physical exam with one of our pain management doctors before your symptoms get worse and begin to interfere with your quality of life.
For more information about arthritis symptoms and treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our pain management specialists at our offices in Georgetown and Austin, Texas.
