Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the joints. This inflammation often occurs due to aging or an autoimmune disease. Arthritis can be very painful and may limit your mobility.

Symptoms of arthritis can include:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Joint swelling

You may suffer from arthritis in just one area or in several parts of your body. Arthritis is usually progressive, which means it gets worse over time. There is currently no cure for arthritis. But treatment at Associated Physicians Group, PLC can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single disease, but the most common form of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis develops when the cartilage in your joints wears away.

Another common type of arthritis is known as rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis occurs when your body mistakenly attacks the tissue in your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes the cartilage in your joints to weaken or erode.

Cartilage helps to cushion the bones in your joints. Without cartilage, bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, the affected joint can become severely damaged, and without treatment, you may lose joint function.

Causes of arthritis include:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Autoimmune disease
• Joint infections
• Joint injury

Your gender can also play a role. Some types of arthritis can also run in families. Your doctor at Associated Physicians Group, PLC can review your medical history to find out whether you're at risk for developing arthritis.

How is arthritis treated?

At Associated Physicians Group, PLC, arthritis treatment focuses on improving the function of your joints and relieving uncomfortable symptoms. Depending on your arthritis, they could recommend prescription painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and/or physical therapy.

There are also more specialized medications that can treat arthritis, including:

Counterirritants

Counterirritants are topical medications that contain ingredients like menthol or capsaicin (what gives chili peppers their heat). These ointments, lotions, or gels help prevent pain signals from reaching your brain.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

DMARDs are a group of prescription drugs that prevent your immune system from attacking your joints. 

Biologic response modifiers

Biologic response modifiers are drugs that target protein molecules that play a role in your body’s immune response. 

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are drugs that reduce inflammation while suppressing your immune system. They can be taken orally or injected into a damaged or swollen joint.

If you’ve suffered severe joint damage or your pain interferes with your quality of life, surgery might be necessary.

Arthritis can reduce your quality of life, but the right medical care can relieve joint pain and stiffness. Call Associated Physicians Group, PLC today to get the expert arthritis care you’re looking for.