What is arthritis?
Arthritis refers to inflammation of your joints and can affect any joint in your body, including the joints in your spine. The inflammation is usually accompanied by pain and stiffness. Your risk of developing arthritis increases as you get older, and you may be at risk of developing the condition if you have a family history, a previous injury to your joint, or you carry excess weight.
What are the most common types of arthritis?
While there are many different types of arthritis, the most common include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis in the United States, affecting about 31 million people. This type of arthritis develops from the general wear and tear of your joints, which leads to cartilage damage and bone-on-bone contact that results in pain and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks the lining of your joint capsule, known as the synovial capsule, leading to inflammation and swelling.
Other conditions that lead to arthritis include gout, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus.
How is arthritis treated?
When it comes to treatment for arthritis, the team at Hudson Valley Bone & Joint Surgeons focuses on reducing your symptoms and improving joint range of motion. Your treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
- Joint injections
- Physical therapy
While most arthritis patients rarely require surgery, arthroscopic procedures can improve your range of motion and lessen the pain in advanced cases. The team performs arthroscopic arthritis surgery through small incisions. This causes less pain, fewer complications, and allows you to recover in a shorter period than traditional surgery.
Due to the range of symptoms, it may take some time to find the right combination of treatments to help you get relief from your arthritis pain. The team at Hudson Valley Bone & Joint Surgeons works together with you to find the most effective treatment plan to address your symptoms and restore full function to your joints.
For management of your joint or spinal arthritis from the orthopaedic experts at Hudson Valley Bone & Joint Surgeons, LLP, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.
