Of the many types of arthritis that could be responsible for your chronic joint pain, osteoarthritis is the most likely cause. If you have arthritis, the team at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute in Houston, Texas, can help. The board-certified orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, and physical therapists provide comprehensive treatment programs that address arthritis at every stage. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

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Arthritis Q & A

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What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a widespread musculoskeletal condition affecting the joints. There are around 100 different diseases that come under the umbrella of arthritis, some of which occur in very few people, while others commonly affect millions.

The causes of arthritis vary. Osteoarthritis results from years of wear-and-tear on the joints, which erodes the protective cartilage covering the ends of your bones. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It causes your body’s defense mechanisms to turn on healthy cells in your joints as though they were harmful invading organisms.

What remains constant with all forms of arthritis is the continual or recurring joint pain that tends to start as a deep aching and often progresses to agonizing pain.

What other symptoms does arthritis cause?

As well as joint pain, arthritis can cause:

• Stiff joints

• Weakness in the joints

• Joint deformity
   

Arthritis is incurable and typically worsens as time passes. Many people with arthritis find they lose function in their joints. For example, it may be increasingly difficult to get up and down with arthritic knees.

Arthritis in the hands can make everyday life a considerable challenge. Not only do you have to contend with pain in the joints, but it becomes harder to perform routine tasks. Severe arthritis in major joints like knees and hips is also a common cause of mobility problems.

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What treatments are available for arthritis?

The All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute team begins arthritis treatment using conservative approaches such as:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy plays a vital role at all stages of your arthritis treatment. Keeping your joints moving helps to prevent them from deteriorating and keeps you functioning for longer. 

Your physical therapist tailors a program to suit your exact needs and capabilities.

Medication

Anti-inflammatory medications can help keep joint inflammation under control and reduce pain. You might also benefit from disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) if you have autoimmune arthritis.