When you feel the weather report in your body with aches and pains, it is time to seek out help to ease the discomfort. Osteoarthritis is just one of over 100 types of arthritis and arthritis-related conditions. Arthritis discomfort and pain range from a mild annoyance for some to life-altering debilitation for others. Manhattan Sports Therapy can help alleviate the pain and discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Treatment for arthritis and osteoarthritis can take different forms. It is important to find the most effective treatments in order to relieve the pain. New modalities are constantly being tested to provide relief, and there are medications on the market, including injections that can be administered to provide better mobility and reduce swelling and inflammation. Exercises are another form of treatment, and as a last resort, sometimes surgery is advisable.
Common Types of Arthritis
One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This type affects millions of people, especially older adults. Osteoarthritis is known as the “wear and tear” type of condition that occurs with overuse of joints. Generally found in older adults, osteoarthritis is also a condition that plagues people who have had joint injuries, those who are obese and certain athletes who participate in activities requiring repetitive motions.
Weight-bearing joints are the most common locations for osteoarthritis. These include hips, knees, feet and the spine. This condition develops over time, anywhere from months to years. Unlike other types of arthritis, fatigue is not one of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, although joint pain is definitely a symptom.
One of the most painful types of arthritis is gout. Historically thought of as a health condition of the wealthy, gout can happen to anyone. It is caused when uric acid crystals build up in a joint. This usually happens at the base of the big toe, but it can happen in any part of your foot. Attacks of gout are often triggered by overusing alcohol, certain drugs or stress. Other illnesses can also cause an attack that may last from three to ten days.
Gout attacks may be very intermittent at first, perhaps only once a year or less. There may be months between episodes occurring. However, the attacks can become more frequent over time, and they may last longer. Treatment is necessary to prevent gout from affecting joints and kidneys. Curbing your intake of foods that raise uric acid levels are one way to reduce episodes.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another very painful type of arthritis. The immune system attacks parts of the body, especially the joints. For this reason, RA is considered an autoimmune disease. Without treatment, it can cause severe damage to the joints and produce rheumatoid nodules. These lumps on the skin form over joint areas such as knuckles, heels and elbows.
This type of arthritis can appear suddenly or begin gradually. RA symptoms are usually more severe than those of osteoarthritis. RA affects multiple joints at once and often the smaller joints, like those in your hands and feet. It also is symmetrical in that you will feel pain on both sides of your body as opposed to one wrist and not the other. Individuals with RA often experience fatigue and loss of appetite.
Lupus is another form of arthritis that is also an autoimmune disease. Lupus can affect not only your joints but also organs in your body and brain. Inflammation occurs throughout the body, producing pain in your joints. African American women between the ages of 15 and 44 are most affected by this disease, although anyone can have it.
Arthritis attacks can prevent you from living your life to its fullest. Treating the condition can restore your zest for life and the ability to enjoy activities again. Dr. Rolland Miro has experience in treating all types of arthritis, and under his care, you can receive the pain relief you deserve. Make an appointment for an assessment and consultation. Find out how to resume an active lifestyle, whether you are a professional athlete or weekend enthusiast. Contact Manhattan Sports Therapy today.