Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in your joints. Of the over 100 types of arthritis, the two most common types that cause chronic pain and restricted mobility are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes the breakdown of the protective cartilage that surrounds the ends of your bones which form your joint. When this cartilage wears away, your bones rub together and make it difficult to move your joints without pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the lining of your joints. Inflammation and swelling can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in the affected joint.

What are the Risk Factors of Arthritis?

You’re more likely to develop arthritis if you have close family members with the condition. Other factors that can influence arthritis include:

• Age
• Obesity
• Previous joint injuries

 

If left untreated, arthritis can progress and eventually cause a deformity in the affected joint. By seeking treatment, you can not only find relief from daily arthritis pain, but you might also be able to slow the progression of the disease.

What Treatments are Available for Arthritis?

Initially, treating arthritis involves making lifestyle changes to achieve a healthy weight and reduce unnecessary pressure on your joints. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are both important in reducing the affect arthritis has on your life.

Physical therapy can relieve joint stiffness, increasing your flexibility and the range of motion in your affected joints. Medications can also be useful for reducing inflammation, swelling, and joint stiffness.

When these therapies aren’t enough to reduce the severity of your arthritis pain, your Comprehensive Pain Center provider can then recommend intra-articular injections.

How Does an Intra-Articular Injection Treat Arthritis Pain?

Intra-articular injections deliver medications directly into your affected joint to relieve pain and increase mobility. Typically, corticosteroids are used in therapy to reduce inflammation that puts pressure on the nerves surrounding the joint.

Following an intra-articular injection, you can experience a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation that can last several weeks. Your Comprehensive Pain Center doctor can discuss during your consultation the kind of results you can expect based on your type of arthritis and the severity of your pain.

If you need an effective solution to arthritis joint pain, contact Comprehensive Pain Center to learn more about the benefits of intra-articular injections.