Tuesday , March 19 2024

Treating Painful Arthritis: Do You Need An Orthopedic Specialist?

Treating Painful ArthritisMany different forms of arthritis affect over 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S., and there are over 100 different types of joint disorders categorized under the term of arthritis.  Two of the main types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  With Osteoarthritis, wear and tear damages the cartilage in the joints and causes friction between the bones rubbing together.  Injury or infection usually causes Rheumatoid Arthritis.  RA is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own lining of the joints and membranes; this results in painful swelling and inflammation.
Common symptoms of arthritis
• Swollen Joints
• Joint Pain
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Sensations of warmth or burning
• Decreased range-of-motion
• Limited flexibility
• Loss of strength
Causes
As mentioned, degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are, unfortunately, a primary source of joint and bone inflammation, which is a significant contributor to joint and tendon degeneration.   Trauma and injury are the second leading cause of aches, tears, and dislocation.
Regardless of the cause, in arthritic individuals, it is often times extremely uncomfortable and challenging for them to exercise, or even perform daily activities that are necessary to live a quality lifestyle. Most people may find that there is little to no relief with over the counter NSAID’s or pain medications.  This is why it’s critical to seek help from a board-certified orthopedic surgeon for genuine pain relief.
Many patients find great relief from massage therapy and physical therapy, which teaches them how to stretch and reposition their joints and body posture for optimal positioning.  Aquatic therapy is also very affective in relieving joint pain.
Along with various diseases and disorders, inflammation in the body is a major cause of arthritis.  Getting rid of the inflammatory response with dietary changes is effective for any individuals.
Foods to Avoid
• Saturated fats
• Trans fats
• Excessive salt
• Sugar
• Refined carbohydrates
• Gluten
• Chemicals like pesticides and artificial sugar
• Stop Smoking
• Limit alcohol
Supplements and Foods to add to your Diet that Alleviate Inflammation and Pain
• Chondroitin
• Glucosamine
• Curcumin
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Omega 3 Fatty Acid
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Lean Proteins
• Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
• Lemon Water
• Apple Cider Vinegar
It’s always best to speak directly with your physician before completely changing your diet or exercise program.  Your doctor will construct a precise plan to suit your specific needs and incorporate some of the foods mentioned above along with a coordinated lifestyle strategy.
There are various causes of agonizing arthritis, but if you’re someone who suffers from pain and limitation, you need to understand the differences and your treatment options.
Treatment
Typically, orthopedic surgeons will start patients with some form of physical therapy and pain management program that includes medications or corticosteroid injections.  However, these therapies do not work in every case, and for many individuals that don’t respond to these methods, surgery is absolutely necessary to recover your range-of-motion and to improve mobility and function, which will subsequently, alleviate your pain.
Arthritis Treatment Options:
• Viscosupplementation
• PRP
• Stem Cells
• Rheumatology Referral for Infusion Therapy
• Arthroplasty (total and partial)
• And more

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