Arthritis

Up to 58 million Americans have arthritis, a chronic disease defined by joint pain, stiffness, and poor mobility. At Pain Medicine of the South in Knoxville, Tennessee, the team of interventional pain management specialists offers complete care for arthritis. They can help you find relief through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and routine checkups. To learn more about treatment for arthritis, make an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for joint swelling and stiffness.

There are over 100 types of arthritis, but at Pain Medicine of the South, the team specializes in treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs because of general wear and tear. It happens when your cartilage –– a soft substance that helps pad your joints –– wears down. Your bones rub against each other without enough cartilage, causing joint stiffness, swelling, and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It causes your immune system to attack your joints, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and visible abnormalities. 

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis include:

• Pain in the different joints throughout your body
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth

As the disease worsens, you might also experience a decreased range of motion.

Who is at risk of arthritis?

Anyone can develop arthritis, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being middle-aged or older
• Having family members with arthritis
• History of joint injuries
• Weight issues, such as obesity

Your sex can also play a role. For example, men are more likely to experience gout, a type of arthritis that causes excess uric acid production; while women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

To diagnose arthritis, your provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, finds out when your joint pain started and if it's worse during physical activity. 

Next, they complete a physical exam. Your provider looks at your affected joint (or joints) for redness, bruising, or swelling, and tests your range of motion and muscle strength. They also order lab tests. Analyzing your blood, urine, and joint fluid can help your provider determine the type of arthritis you have.

How is arthritis treated?

There’s no cure for arthritis, but healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication can reduce your symptoms and improve your mobility.

The team at Pain Medicine of the South recommends maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. They might also prescribe one or more of the following drugs:

• Counterirritants
• Steroids
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication

If your symptoms don’t improve, the team might recommend surgery, which includes joint fusion, joint repair, and joint replacement.

Receive arthritis treatment today by making an appointment at Pain Medicine of the South. Call or click the online booking feature.