Osteoarthritis causes the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint (called cartilage) to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
Uric acid crystals, which form when the concentration of uric acid in the blood is abnormally high, can cause gout. Other types of arthritis can be caused by infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus.
The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis affect the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, patients may experience the following signs and symptoms:
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Pain
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Stiffness
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Swelling
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Redness
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Decreased range of motion
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Individuals may be at increased risk of arthritis if they:
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Have a family history of arthritis
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Are older
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Are female
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Have previously sustained a joint injury
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Are obese
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The doctor will begin by performing a physical examination of the joints, checking for swelling, redness, and warmth. They will also ask the patient to make certain motions to check the mobility of their joints.
The patient will then need to submit blood, urine, and joint fluid to identify the type of arthritis they have.
Imaging tests will be done to help identify the problems within the joint that may be causing arthritis pain. A few types of imaging tests that may be done include:
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X-rays
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Computed tomography (CT)
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
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Ultrasound
Once the physician has reviewed the results of the tests and exams, they will create a personalized treatment plan.
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At Westcare Clinics, healthcare practitioners treat arthritis pain with pain management techniques, injections, and occupational medicine.
Joint and soft tissue injections, such as epidural injections (interlaminar and transforaminal), piriformis injection, sacroiliac joint injections, and trigger point injections, may be done to ease arthritis pain. The type of injection that is done will depend on the location of the pain and its severity.
For patients experiencing arthritis pain, doctors may recommend incorporating pain management techniques into the treatment plan, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, mind-body techniques, gentle exercise, and therapeutic massage. The pain management techniques will be customized according to the patient’s needs.
Westcare Clinics also offers occupational medicine, which focuses on helping patients maintain the strength and flexibility they need to continue working. Our healthcare practitioners are also qualified to train employers to adapt the workplace and worker responsibilities to the physical limitations of their employees.
Patients experiencing arthritis pain may need complex, long-term care for their injuries. Advanced treatment options may include surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, and other forms of rehabilitation. The Westcare Clinics team is happy to answer any questions patients may have about obtaining advanced treatment.
