28 Feb What is Osteoarthritis?
Most people think “arthritis” is a single disease, usually found in the elderly, but arthritis is a term to group together joint pain or joint disease. There are many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, which is a specialty of Integrated Pain Consultants. This type of arthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease, or colloquially “wear and tear arthritis.” It’s the most common chronic condition found in the joints and happens when the soft cartilage between the joints starts to break down. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and stiffness, and it can happen to almost anyone of any age. However, it’s more common as we age. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Nikesh Seth and other providers including Dr. Anne-Marie Cosijns, Dr. Lisa Sparks, Dr. Michael Givens, and our team of Nurse Practitioners.
Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain / Stiffness
If you feel stiff or pain when you wake up in the morning, that’s a common symptom of osteoarthritis. Your joints might feel swollen after a long walk or workout session. There’s no single cause of osteoarthritis, but numerous factors can help you develop it. Overusing certain joints (such as running regularly), carrying extra weight, and genetics can all speed up the development of osteoarthritis.
A physical examination, along with your medical history, X-rays, and MRIs can help diagnose osteoarthritis. Typical treatment plans include managing weight (if applicable), changing physical activity, pain management treatments, and joint replacement surgery in severe cases. Some of the most common places osteoarthritis occurs are in the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, and the area within the shoulder via rotator cuff syndrome. The more a joint is used, the more likely it will experience excessive wear and tear leading to osteoarthritis.
Arthritis as a whole is the top cause of disability in the US with over 50 million adults and 300,000 children suffering from it. Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis, and treatment along with lifestyle changes can make a big difference in the symptoms. If you’re suffering from joint pain, call Integrated Pain Consultants at 480-626-2552 and schedule an appointment.