What is arthritis?
Technically, arthritis means an inflammation of the joint. But the term arthritis is used very broadly to describe pain or stiffness of a joint. There are multiple types of arthritis:
- Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis): The most common type of arthritis. It is caused by the wearing down of cartilage in a joint.
- Autoimmune and Inflammatory Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Psoriatic arthritis): Caused by an overactive immune system that attacks the joints.
- Infectious Arthritis: Caused by bacteria or viruses that infect a joint.
- Metabolic Arthritis (Gout or Pseudogout): Caused by an excess of metabolic substances (such as uric acid) that build up in a joint.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can occur in both the large joints (knee, hip, shoulder) and smaller ones (elbows, fingers, toes). The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and loss of motion.
Although osteoarthritis is more common in the elderly, it’s not exclusive to this population. A previous history of joint injuries, shared family history, and lifestyle factors can make arthritis more likely to develop earlier in life.
What are the treatments for osteoarthritis?
The only way to eliminate osteoarthritis is with joint replacement surgery or joint fusion. However, these option are generally reserved for older patients who have failed medical treatment or for severe cases.
When neither joint replacement nor fusion are an option, much can be done to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. At Avid Sports Medicine we offer a range of treatment options such as:
- Movement based therapies (physical therapy, athletic training)
- Medication
- Bracing
- Injection Therapy
- Steroids
- Hyaluronic Acid
What’s Next?
Schedule your free consultation to evaluate your individual circumstances. During this call you’ll speak directly with Dr. Jow, our sports medicine physician. While we can’t give out specific advice until you become a patient, we can discuss your issue and determine if Avid is the best fit for you. If an in-person visit is recommended, we will schedule it right away.