Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single condition but a term used to describe a range of joint conditions. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, although some are far more common than others. 

Degenerative arthritis

This form of arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints begins to wear away, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Left untreated, degenerative arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and chronic pain. Osteoarthritis is a form of degenerative arthritis. 

Inflammatory arthritis

This form of arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints. It’s characterized by significant inflammation within affected joints, and can also affect your organs and systems. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are examples of inflammatory arthritis.

Infectious arthritis

This type of arthritis occurs when a virus, bacterium, or fungus invades a joint and causes inflammation. 

These are just a few examples of the types of arthritis. If you experience changes in your joint health, a diagnostic exam at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine can determine if arthritis is present. 

What are some potential complications of arthritis?

Far too many people accept joint pain as an inevitable part of growing older. In reality, there are treatments that can help relieve joint pain and improve joint function, even if you have an advanced case of arthritis. 

Left untreated, arthritis can cause serious joint damage. The pain, stiffness, and swelling can prevent you from going through your normal daily routines. Without sufficient exercise, your risk of numerous chronic health problems increases. 

It’s important to seek treatment for arthritis, preferably in the early stages. There are treatments that can preserve your joint health and allow you to enjoy your daily routines as well as sustain your overall health and wellness. 

What are some treatments for arthritis?

Your treatment path depends on the type of arthritis you have and your overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight and performing low impact exercises go a long way in keeping your joints functioning well. 

Medication might play a role in your treatment plan. Some drugs work to control pain while others relieve inflammation. Sometimes injections into the arthritic joint can alleviate pain. . Viscosupplementation is a type of injection that involves injecting hyaluronic acid into a damaged joint, such as the knee, to provide additional fluid to protect and lubricate the joint. 

Physical therapy is a great way to improve some symptoms of arthritis. Strengthening the muscles that support your joints and improving flexibility can go a long way toward reducing pain and improving function. 

In some cases, surgery is the best option for treating arthritis and may involve a joint replacement with artificial components. The specialists at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine perform replacement surgery for the shoulder, knee, and hip. Joint replacements are usually highly successful at restoring function and alleviating pain from arthritis.

To explore arthritis treatment in more detail, call New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine today or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.