Arthritis is the term doctors use to describe joint pain or joint disease, but it is not a singular disorder. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Despite the numerous varieties, it is still not very well understood. However, it affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S. Arthritis sufferers comprise all ages, races, and sexes, though it is most common among women and the elderly. Arthritis can make it difficult to move around and may cause permanent joint changes, among other problems. The doctors at Greater Maryland Pain Management in Odenton, MD will help you understand your arthritis symptoms.

There are an abundance of arthritis symptoms, the overwhelming majority of which originate in one’s joints. Symptoms may come and go, and often vary in severity. However, even though arthritis symptoms can stay relatively the same for years, they typically worsen over time. The most common arthritis symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Pain
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

Patients suffering from severe arthritis may have chronic pain, be unable to perform daily activities, and experience permanent joint changes. Permanent changes such as knobby finger joints may be visible to the naked eye, while others are only detectable on x-rays. Some forms of arthritis can also have adverse effects on organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, and skin.

Doctors have a litany of tests available to diagnose arthritis. The medical staff at Greater Maryland Pain Management can perform physical examinations to check joints for swelling, warmth, redness, and range of motion. This will help determine a suspected type of arthritis, which we can confirm using the following assessments:

• Laboratory tests – Your doctor can analyze blood, urine, or joint fluid to identify specific varieties of arthritis.
• Imaging – We can use x-rays, ultrasounds, computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect the cause of arthritis symptoms.

A rheumatologist may help in instances when a diagnosis is uncertain. Specializing in arthritis, rheumatologists can also assist with arthritis treatment as well as care for gout and other disorders.

There are a host of arthritis treatment options available at our Maryland offices. Our team at Greater Maryland Pain Management treats every case individually, so you know your plan is unique to your circumstances. We gear all arthritis treatment programs toward relieving pain and improving joint functionality. Therefore, our team educates each patient about the disease and activities that may be affecting his or her health. Physical activity and proper nutrition are essential to all treatment plans. Beyond that, we promote physical therapy regimens that can improve range of motion and strengthen muscles surrounding joints. To complement physical activity, we may recommend medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. As a last resort, orthopedic surgeons can perform joint repair, joint replacement, or joint fusion operations.

There is a vast array of arthritis types, the two most common of which are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment of each varies, but the team at Greater Maryland Pain Management can provide relief from either. Additionally, the causes of each form of arthritis differ.

Osteoarthritis

A form of degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage erodes and causes bones to rub against other bones. This results in pain and swelling, which weakens joints over time. Family history, injuries, age, and excess weight may cause osteoarthritis. Because the condition is gradual, we can treat mild and moderate osteoarthritis symptoms by balancing activity with rest, weight management, and various hot and cold therapies. However, when joint symptoms become severe and limit a patient’s quality of life, surgery may be necessary.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis. It results from one’s immune system malfunctioning and causing uncontrolled joint inflammation. Long-term effects include joint erosion and potential damage to internal organs as well as other parts of the body. Genetics and environmental factors may be the culprits of rheumatoid arthritis. Our doctors at Greater Maryland Pain Management will help minimize permanent joint damage and reduce pain through medication and aggressive treatment.

There is a vast array of arthritis types, the two most common of which are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment of each varies, but the team at Greater Maryland Pain Management can provide relief from either. Additionally, the causes of each form of arthritis differ.

Osteoarthritis

A form of degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage erodes and causes bones to rub against other bones. This results in pain and swelling, which weakens joints over time. Family history, injuries, age, and excess weight may cause osteoarthritis. Because the condition is gradual, we can treat mild and moderate osteoarthritis symptoms by balancing activity with rest, weight management, and various hot and cold therapies. However, when joint symptoms become severe and limit a patient’s quality of life, surgery may be necessary.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis. It results from one’s immune system malfunctioning and causing uncontrolled joint inflammation. Long-term effects include joint erosion and potential damage to internal organs as well as other parts of the body. Genetics and environmental factors may be the culprits of rheumatoid arthritis. Our doctors at Greater Maryland Pain Management will help minimize permanent joint damage and reduce pain through medication and aggressive treatment.