ARTHRITIS PAIN
Signs and symptoms of arthritis may include:
-
Swelling
-
Redness
-
Stiffness
-
Pain
-
Reduced range of motion
-
Patients with osteoarthritis have experienced damage to a joint’s cartilage, which is the coating on the ends of bones at the joint. Damaged cartilage can cause bone to grind directly on bone, restricting movement and leading to pain.
Osteoarthritis may also lead to deterioration of the connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone and holds the joint together. Patients may experience inflammation and swelling, as a result.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, which is the membrane that encloses all joint parts. This leads to inflammation and swelling.
The likelihood of developing arthritis is impacted by the following factors:
-
Family history. Patients with family members diagnosed with arthritis are more likely to develop the condition.
-
Age. Older individuals are at increased risk of developing arthritis.
-
Sex. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more likely to develop gout, another form of arthritis.
-
Previous joint injury. Injury to joints, whether through an accident or while playing a sport, increases the risk of developing arthritis.
-
Obesity. Excess weight places stress on the knees, hips, and spine, and increases likelihood of developing arthritis.
-
Patients experiencing symptoms of arthritis will need to undergo various laboratory and imaging tests to accurately diagnose the condition.
Analysis of bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, and joint fluid, can help detect arthritis. Patients may also need to undergo imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound.
Depending on the type of arthritis, patients may be prescribed medications, such as NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Patients suffering from arthritis pain may also benefit from joint and soft tissue injections and pain management techniques. A few types of joint and soft tissue injections offered at Premier Urgent Care include nerve blocks, epidural injections, piriformis injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and trigger point injections. Patients should speak to their physician to find out if they are a good candidate for joint and soft tissue injections.
Pain management techniques can help minimize arthritis pain through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Patients will receive a customized pain management plan to treat their arthritis pain.
Severe arthritis pain may require advanced treatment. Patients may need to undergo various surgeries, such as joint repair, joint replacement, or joint fusion to minimize pain. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.
Arthritis pain may be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other forms of arthritis.