Arthritis pain can be incapacitating, preventing you from working or enjoying fun activities such as sports. Without medical intervention, arthritis can spread to other parts of your body, jeopardizing your life. If you are frustrated with medications that do not offer long-lasting relief, contact Jay M. Shah MD to try new approaches to restore your impeccable health. Do not allow arthritis to steal your joy when there are several treatments that you can use to manage it.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis refers to an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your white blood cells mistakenly attack your body tissues. This form of arthritis targets the lining of your joints, leading to excruciating swelling that gradually results in joint deformity and bone erosion. Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men. This disease is usually common in the ankles, hands, and feet, but as it progresses, it may affect other parts of your body, causing severe symptoms that may reduce the quality of your life. Rheumatoid factors can be checked at home using an arthritis test kit. There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but the SamWell Institute for Pain Management professional team offers treatments and therapies to alleviate your symptoms.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most widespread form of arthritis. This form of arthritis causes cartilage degeneration that protects the ends of your bones from erosion. Osteoarthritis can attack any part of your body, but it often affects the joints in the spine, hands, and hips. Early detection of this disease helps manage it and prevent irreversible joint damage. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but your doctor can prescribe some medications to relieve your pain. He may also recommend specific lifestyle changes to restore the quality of your life and prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.
What are the available treatment options for arthritis?
During your physical exam, your provider may look for any swelling, warmth, or redness in the affected joints. Your doctor may also request you to move around to check the range of motion in your joints. The caring team at SamWell Institute for Pain Management may also conduct imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, and MRIs to understand your condition better. Afterward, they may create a personalized treatment plan to prevent the progression of the disease. The team may recommend:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Physical therapy
- Sacroiliac joint steroid injection
- Disease-modifying drugs for rheumatoid arthritis
- Nerve blocks
- Acupuncture
These treatment options help manage your condition and prevent other complications such as irreversible joint deformity. Dr. Shah works closely with his patients to ensure that they live a quality, pain-free life.
Can you prevent the deterioration of arthritis?
Livin a healthy lifestyle is fundamental in preventing the deterioration of arthritis. Dr. Shah offers personalized treatment plans to help you move around comfortably without pain or fear of worsening disease. Attaining a medically healthy weight is also crucial to preventing extreme pressure on the affected joints. You may also need to incorporate an exercise routine into your daily schedule to avoid the progression of arthritis.
If arthritis is making your life dull, call the SamWell Institute for Pain Management or make an appointment online for diagnosis and treatment.
