Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis means joint inflammation. Though inflammation is a symptom, arthritis generally refers to any disease or disorder that causes joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. 

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body but most often affects the:

• Feet
• Hands
• Hips
• Knees
• Shoulders
• Lower back

Arthritis is more common in older adults, but you can develop arthritis at any age. 

What are the types of arthritis?

There are many types of arthritis. These types usually have different causes and symptoms and may require specific treatments.

Types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, is a degenerative form of arthritis that occurs from the gradual wearing away of the cartilage that separates the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common type.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation. Over time, chronic inflammation causes permanent joint damage that leads to deformity.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis that affects the spine, causing pain, swelling, and heat in the spine or the joints that connect the spine to the pelvis.

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis is arthritis that develops from an infection. 

What happens during an arthritis evaluation?

When you visit Johnston Pain Management, P.A., for an arthritis evaluation, you can expect a patient-centered exam. The team takes a holistic approach, evaluating how your pain condition affects your physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and the activities that make them worse or better. Then, they perform a physical exam and run diagnostic tests to assess the severity of your arthritis. Testing may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

How is arthritis treated?

The team at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., customizes your arthritis treatment plan based on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your symptoms. Your treatment plan may include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
• Low-dose antidepressants
• Disease-specific medication
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Activity modification

If you have severe joint damage from your arthritis and pain management no longer eases your symptoms, the team may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss joint replacement surgery.

For a comprehensive approach to managing your arthritis, call Johnston Pain Management, P.A., or schedule an appointment online today.