Arthritis Care

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term for more than 100 diseases affecting your joint health and mobility, typically categorized as:

• Osteoarthritis related to joint wear-and-tear over time
• Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Post-traumatic arthritis following an injury
• Septic arthritis caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection

Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis and is sometimes considered a “natural” part of aging. However, regardless of what’s causing the joint inflammation, pain, and disability associated with arthritis, you shouldn’t consider it normal or unavoidable.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms differ slightly depending on the underlying cause, but they usually include varying degrees of joint inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain that can eventually affect your daily routine.

For instance, osteoarthritis symptoms tend to start slowly and build over time. You may notice morning stiffness that improves as you become active. Eventually, however, pain can become constant as cartilage in the joint wears away, and bone rubs against bone. This can affect your ability to move the joint.

On the other hand, joint pain and swelling related to septic arthritis usually occur very quickly. They may be accompanied by worsening fever and other signs of systemic illness or infection. 

Joint pain and inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types are often accompanied by fatigue, low-grade fevers, and loss of appetite.

Any joint is vulnerable to arthritis, but those most often affected include the hands, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and spine.

What is arthritis care?

Arthritis care at Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists begins with a thorough exam and diagnostic evaluation to determine the type and level of arthritis you’re experiencing. Their treatment goals include reducing pain and inflammation while preventing further joint damage.

Based on evaluation results, your arthritis care strategy may include:

• Oral medications to reduce inflammation and pain
• Physical therapy to maintain flexibility and strength in muscles supporting your joints
• Joint-friendly exercise routines
• Biologics such as plasma-rich protein (PRP) injection therapy

Should conservative measures fail to control your symptoms, the surgical team at Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists may recommend minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to address bone spurs, remove damaged joint lining (synovectomy), or replace severely worn joints.

For more information about arthritis care, schedule an evaluation at Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists today. Call the office or request an appointment online.