Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to swelling and tenderness of the joints. The most common symptoms of arthritis include joint stiffness and pain, as well as skin redness and decreased range of motion.

Back pain is a common arthritis symptom that, with early intervention, Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA can treat with ease. It usually stems from inflammation or infection, but it can also be an early sign of malignancy. For that reason, it’s important to never ignore your symptoms.

The two most frequently occurring types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis happens after your joint cartilage wears down. Cartilage, a slick, hard coating, protects the ends of your bones from rubbing against one another at the joint.

Cartilage facilitates easy joint movement and a full range of motion. After cartilage wears down, typically from use, the bones grind against one another, and the joint linings inflame. This causes osteoarthritis symptoms, including:

• Connective tissue deterioration
• Bone damage
• Pain
• Restricted movement

Usually, osteoarthritis occurs later in life, after you’ve been using your joints for many years. Sometimes, it’s brought on by an injury or infection. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the tough, protective membrane that surrounds your joint capsules (synovial membrane). As a result, this membrane becomes inflamed and swollen. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can destroy both the cartilage and bones inside the joint capsule.

Who is at risk for arthritis?

Some people are more at risk of developing arthritis than others. These include people who:

• Have a family history of arthritis
• Are older
• Are obese
• Have sustained a previous joint injury

In addition, women are generally more likely to develop arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, than men. However, men more often develop gout, another type of arthritis, than women.

How can you treat arthritis?

If you suspect that you’re suffering from arthritis, it’s important to get it diagnosed and treated. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it is to address. 

Dr. Reddy at Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA treats arthritis using a number of different approaches, depending on the severity of your arthritis, its cause, and its location. These approaches include:

• Physical therapy
• Painkillers
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Drugs that slow or stop your immune system’s attack on
• your synovial membrane
• Corticosteroids 

Regardless of your symptoms, Dr. Reddy always seeks conservative treatment options first.

Don’t let arthritis keep you from doing the things you love. For a consultation with Dr. Reddy at Houston Internal Medicine Associates PA, call or fill out the online booking tool today.