Literally, arthritis means inflammation of the joints – “arthro-” meaning “joint,” and “-itis” meaning “inflammation.” Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is most noticeable and bothersome when it affects the hand, hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, or spine. The main symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, and swelling in the area.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and many of those are relatively rare – but a few are quite common. Let’s talk about several of the most common kinds of arthritis, what causes them, and where you can go in Plantation for top-tier arthritis treatment.
The Most Common Types of Arthritis
In order to determine and diagnose your particular type of arthritis, your orthopedic specialist will administer a thorough evaluation of your condition. Most people who are diagnosed with arthritis have one of the following types:
#1: Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is, by far, the most common type of arthritis. It impacts more than 32 million adults in the United States alone.
Many people refer to this type as wear-and-tear arthritis, bone-on-bone arthritis, or just “arthritis.” It is caused by the wearing-down of the cushiony cartilage in a joint that protects the bones from scraping against each other as you move.
This type of arthritis affects young athletes as well as older active adults. Mild osteoarthritis can be treated through physician-administered pain-relief injections directly into the joint, but severe arthritis warrants a total joint replacement. Rest assured, many types of joint replacement surgeries can today be performed as outpatient, so you will likely go home later that day.
#2: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease, and it can affect organs and tissues far beyond the joints. That is because RA mistakenly attacks the natural lubricating synovial fluid, which appears in the joints as well as other areas of the body.
In someone who has RA, they might experience pain, fever, and joint stiffness during an RA attack. Chronic fatigue and weight loss can happen, too. If RA affects the hands, the fingers can become curled and unable to straighten, so it is imperative to see a trusted orthopedic doctor for this type of arthritis treatment.
#3: Gout
Painful gout occurs in just one joint at a time – usually in the big toe. Swelling, tenderness, and heat at the affected joint are common symptoms of gout. Symptoms may come and go, and patients often have long periods of remission and later a return of symptoms.
Gout is the result of an extreme buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. Red meat, wine, and fatty, rich foods are believed to be the biggest culprits behind gout, which is why it is sometimes called “the rich man’s disease.”
What happens is that the uric acid crystals tend to accumulate in a particular joint, which is what causes gout. It can be relieved relatively quickly (and prevented) by drinking plenty of pure water.
Orthopedic Arthritis Treatment in Plantation, FL
At Baylis & Brown Orthopedics, our experienced orthopedic doctors offer the latest innovations in arthritis treatment. Our board-certified physicians – Dr. Robert Baylis and Dr. Christopher Brown – are here in Plantation to evaluate your joint pain, determine a precise diagnosis, and explain and administer the treatments you prefer.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (954) 476-8800 or request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to seeing you!
