Living with arthritis can be a daily struggle, filled with pain and discomfort. But you are not alone. Millions of people, especially older adults, worldwide face this challenge every day. The good news is that there are effective arthritis treatment options available that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about finding the best arthritis treatment near you.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints (where two bones meet) of the body. It affects people of all ages and races but is more common among older adults.
There are over 100 types of arthritis, each with different symptoms and treatment options. Knowing what type of arthritis you have is crucial for finding the right treatment.
Types of Arthritis
Let us discuss the types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. It happens when the cartilage, a cushiony tissue between your bones, wears out over time. This causes pain and stiffness, especially in the knees, hips, and hands.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. This means your immune system, which usually fights off germs, accidentally attacks the tissues of your own body. It often affects the hands and feet, leading to severe pain and swelling.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis affects people who have psoriasis, a skin condition with red patches and silvery scales. This type of arthritis can cause painful, stiff, and swollen joints.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
Here are some common symptoms of arthritis.
Joint Pain
Pain is the most common symptom of arthritis that may come and go. Pain might be limited to one joint or affect multiple joints of the body.
Stiffness
Arthritis often causes stiffness in the affected joints, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness can make it difficult to move the affected joints.
Swelling
Swelling around the joint is another common symptom of arthritis. The area might feel warm to the touch, and the skin around the joint might look red.
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing arthritis typically starts with a physical exam to check for joint swelling, redness, and warmth, along with assessing range of motion. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds provide detailed views of joint damage.
Blood tests are used to identify specific arthritis types and measure inflammation levels.
Arthritis Treatment Options
Let us discuss the treatment options available for arthritis.
Medications
Pain medicines are often the first step in treating arthritis. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin can help with pain and swelling in the joints.
Pain doctors might also prescribe stronger medications like corticosteroids or DMARDs (for rheumatoid arthritis) to help with arthritis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a form of arthritis treatment that can be helpful for managing arthritis symptoms. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help move your joints better and make the muscles around them stronger.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses your own blood to help with arthritis. It works by reducing swelling and helping the body heal.
In this treatment, orthopedic doctors take a part of your blood called platelets and inject them into the painful joint to help fix damaged tissue.
Lifestyle Changes
Changing some daily habits can also help treat arthritis. Keeping a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and staying active can really help reduce symptoms like joint pain.
Surgical Options
For severe arthritis, surgery might be needed. Joint replacement surgery involves removing damaged joints and replacing them with artificial ones. Arthroscopy is a procedure that can remove loose pieces of cartilage or bone from the arthritic joint.
How Orthopedic Doctors Choose the Best Arthritis Treatment
Choosing the right treatment for arthritis means looking at how bad the condition is, the overall health of the patient, and the lifestyle and preferences of the patient.
For mild arthritis, orthopedic doctors often suggest changes like regular exercise and managing weight, which help lessen the symptoms and reduce stress on the joints.
Pain doctors might also recommend over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines to help with pain and swelling.
If arthritis is moderate, doctors might consider stronger prescription medicines. These include drugs like DMARDs or corticosteroids, which help control inflammation and prevent more joint damage.
For severe arthritis, more intense treatments may be needed, like biological response modifiers that target specific parts of the immune system. Sometimes, surgery is an option to repair or replace damaged joints, providing relief and improving movement.
Finding the Right Arthritis Treatment Provider Near You
Here are some tips for finding the right arthritis treatment provider near you.
Research Local Specialists
When looking for an arthritis treatment near you, start by researching local arthritis treatment specialists. “Orthopedic doctors for arthritis,” “hand pain treatment in Plantation, FL,” and “pain doctors in Plantation, FL” are excellent keywords to start with.
Look for reviews and ratings to ensure you find a reputable doctor who treats arthritis.
Ask for Recommendations
When finding a doctor who offers the best arthritis treatment, ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care doctor. They might know a great arthritis treatment provider in Plantation, FL, that you have not considered.
Schedule Consultations
Once you have narrowed down your treatment options, schedule appointments with a few different orthopedic doctors. This will allow you to ask questions and determine which pain doctor is the best fit for you.
Arthritis Treatment Near Me in Plantation, FL
Ready to take control of your arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life? Do not wait any longer to seek the relief you deserve! Visit us here at Baylis and Brown Orthopedics.
We have highly trained and exceptionally skilled orthopedic doctors dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to your unique arthritis type and severity. From medications and PRP therapy to surgery, we offer a wide range of treatment options to help you feel your best.
To learn more about our services and to book your appointment, call us today at (954) 476-8800 or fill out our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
