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Arthritis 101: What Is Arthritis?

As we grow older, our joints become more susceptible to wearing down and degeneration. This could lead to a variety of pain symptoms and problems that older people may experience. Perhaps one of the most common issues older people experience is arthritis.

Here are some of the things you should know about this condition.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of joints. It causes chronic pain and swelling, which can be debilitating to patients, preventing them from enjoying a full range of motion. While the primary symptom of arthritis is pain, patients also experience stiffness, a grinding sensation, redness in the area, and potential weakness.

There is a higher percentage of women who have arthritis than men. Although arthritis could affect people of any age, older adults are at higher risk. The condition may worsen with age and cause other joint and bone complications.

Types of Arthritis

Unbeknownst to some, arthritis is an umbrella term that encompasses various joint conditions, such as:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease that is most likely to develop at an older age. It could affect all types of joints in the body, but it commonly affects the hands, hips, knees, shoulders, and spine.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that could affect more than just joints. It is an autoimmune disease that makes the body’s immune system attack healthy tissues. It could also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, and other organs in the body.

Juvenile Arthritis

Arthritis is most common in the elderly, but juvenile arthritis affects children under the age of 16, impacting their joints and other nearby tissues. This condition also affects their growth and development. Juvenile arthritis causes sufferers to experience chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This condition develops in people with psoriasis. It involves the formation of red, scaly patches all over the body. Currently, there is no known cure for this condition. The available interventions help alleviate and mitigate the pain and symptoms of patients.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the spine. Over time, this condition may cause the fusion of spinal bones. It causes back pain and may also bring intermittent hip pain and stiffness.

Gout

Gout is a painful condition caused by the excess build-up of uric acid in the body. Its symptoms typically include a painful burning sensation, accompanied by swelling and inflammation in the big toe.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis

Different patients experience a variety of symptoms. However, the most commonly reported ones are the following:

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness
  • Warmth in the area

Risk Factors

Risk for the development of arthritis varies from person to person, but the likelihood of developing arthritis can be affected by the following:

  • Age — the risk for developing arthritis increases with age
  • Lifestyle — smoking and lack of exercise increase risk
  • Sex — studies show that women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis while men are more likely to have gout
  • Weight — excess weight puts unnecessary pressure and strain on joints, increasing the risk of developing arthritis and other joint problems
  • Family History — you are more likely to develop arthritis if your family has a history of it
  • Previous Injuries — patients who have injured their joints in the past are more likely to develop arthritis in that affected joint

Treatment Options for Arthritis

Healthcare providers will first exhaust all conservative treatment options before suggesting more aggressive treatments. The most common interventions are as follows:

  • Medications — various medications can help relieve pain and address symptoms
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): reduce pain and inflammation in affected joints
    • Counterirritants: commonly include ointments and creams that reduce the transmission of pain signals to the brain
    • Steroid injections: direct cortisone shots to the affected area help relieve the pain longer than over-the-counter medications
  • Physical Therapy — this rehabilitative treatment option helps patients regain flexibility and mobility
  • Surgery — this is commonly suggested for patients with severe arthritis who haven’t found relief from conservative treatments

Arthritis Specialists in Wellington, FL

Conditions like arthritis may cause a variety of complications in the future. The longer it goes unaddressed, the worse it will likely get. It’s therefore critical to get it checked as soon as possible.

If you are looking for quality bone and joint care, look no further than Advanced Medical Clinic. Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, a board-certified internist, together with Shariffa Gunawardene, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, can provide you with the best primary holistic care possible from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation.

If you wish to know more about us and our services, you can check in online or call us at (561) 434-1935. You can also secure an appointment ahead of time by using our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

A rise and fall in your body’s blood pressure is something to be taken seriously. This can happen throughout the day, depending on your activity and physical state. When you have high blood pressure, you are at risk of other life-threatening medical problems. High blood pressure can also occur with other health conditions, such as arthritis.

You can manage your health better by knowing the causes of various conditions. Continue reading to find out more about the causes of high blood pressure.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is abnormally high systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These two numbers indicate the pressure in the arteries, the vessels carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Systolic blood pressure is the first or higher number. It measures the pressure when the heart beats. Meanwhile, diastolic pressure, the second number, measures the pressure between beats, when the heart rests. Your primary care provider can determine if you have high blood pressure based on blood pressure readings that check these numbers.

This condition usually has no severe symptoms, particularly in the early stages. You may feel headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath when your blood pressure becomes severely high.

Types and Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are two types of high blood pressure, depending on the cause. Your family primary care provider may examine your medical history to determine what causes your hypertension.

●     Primary Hypertension

Most adults suffer from primary or essential hypertension. This type of high blood pressure has no definite cause and gradually develops over time.

●     Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension appears more suddenly. This type of hypertension occurs because of another underlying medical condition in the heart, kidneys, or endocrine system. Examples are arthritis, thyroid problems, problems in blood vessels, obstructive sleep apnea, and more.

Risk Factors Causing High Blood Pressure

Some factors increase the likelihood of having high blood pressure. Although these do not directly cause hypertension, you should monitor your blood pressure closely if you are associated with these risk factors:

●     Age and Gender

Hypertension can affect people at any age. However, the likelihood of acquiring it increases as you get older. Although less common, children may also suffer from hypertension. Poor lifestyle habits and kidney or heart problems can contribute to hypertension in the younger population.

●     Family History and Race

Genetics can play a significant role in developing high blood pressure. Hypertension tends to run in families. According to studies, people of African descent may also develop the condition earlier than others. They are also more likely to develop serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

●     Physical Activity

Physical inactivity is generally associated with a higher heart rate. It causes the heart to work harder and produce more intense contractions, leading to hypertension.

●     Weight

Increased weight means the body needs more blood supply and oxygen. When there is increased blood flow in the arteries, the pressure against the artery walls may also increase.

●     Diet

The nutrients in your diet, such as sodium and potassium, can affect your blood pressure. Too much sodium or salt can promote fluid retention in your body, resulting in increased blood pressure. Low potassium levels due to improper diet or dehydration can lead to sodium buildup in the blood.

●     Use of Tobacco and Drinking Alcohol

The use of tobacco products does not only temporarily raise your body’s blood pressure immediately, it can also cause the narrowing of artery walls, leading to permanent damage. Alcohol consumption can also lead to heart damage, especially if the intake is more than one to two drinks a day.

●     Stress

High levels of stress are associated with a temporary spike in blood pressure. Stress-related habits or coping mechanisms such as binge eating, smoking, or drinking alcohol can also cause a permanent increase in blood pressure.

●     Pregnancy

Pregnant women may suffer from gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension, or preeclampsia. This condition can pose serious risks before, during, and after birth.

●     Use of Certain Medications

Some birth control pills, pain relievers, cold medications, decongestants, and prescription drugs may affect the body’s blood pressure. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can also cause hypertension.

Treatment For High Blood Pressure and Arthritis in Wellington, FL

High blood pressure affects your overall health in many ways. It should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. To get the best medical treatment for hypertension, you should always listen to the experts. Primary care providers are the trusted and first-hand primary care providers who can help diagnose and treat your high blood pressure.

If you are looking for a clinic to help you with your high blood pressure, we at Advanced Medical Clinic offer medical services in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Our skilled family medicine providers and staff will surely accommodate your concerns, from diagnosis to treatment.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. You may call our friendly staff at (561) 434-1935 or fill out this online request form. We look forward to serving you.

Erectile Dysfunction in Younger Men

While erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among older men, it can occur in younger men as well. If it does, it can signal the possibility of an underlying health issue.

Below, you’ll learn about the factors that can predispose younger men to ED as well as what they should do about their condition.

Erectile Dysfunction Risk Factors

It’s important to take note that albeit advancing age is a common risk factor for ED, a man doesn’t have to be older to develop the condition. There are many health and lifestyle factors that can predispose even younger men to erectile dysfunction. These include the following:

  • Benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement) – This condition can occur in men younger than 40 years of age.
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Depression and other mental health problems
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Hypertension
  • Kidney disease
  • Low testosterone levels
  • Medications (e.g., muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, antihypertensives, etc.) and some cancer treatments
  • Obesity
  • Peyronie’s disease- a condition that causes penis to bend and lose length or girth
  • Poor lifestyle habits- Substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking
  • Prostate cancer – This can sometimes coexist with BPH.
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Surgery or trauma to the groin and genital area
  • Thyroid issues

ED as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease

Several studies have established a strong link between heart health and erectile dysfunction: while erectile dysfunction can be caused by cardiovascular disease, the former can also be a predictor of the latter.

It stands to reason that if a man has numerous episodes of erectile dysfunction, he should consult with his primary care provider, who will do a complete assessment and order certain tests to determine the underlying condition. The patient should also be honest about when ED happens and how frequently as this information can help his primary care provider confirm a diagnosis and connect him to the appropriate interventions.

Primary Care Provider in Wellington, FL

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our board-certified internal medicine provider, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, provides evidence-based, compassionate, and confidential care for men dealing with erectile dysfunction. He offers a range of innovative interventions customized to your specific health needs. Should advanced care be necessary for your condition, Dr. Gunawardene will gladly coordinate your care with the right specialist.

To arrange a consultation with Dr. Gunawardene, call us at (561) 434-1935. You may also book a visit right here on our website. We look forward to helping you feel your best in and out of the bedroom!

Why You Should See a Family Medicine Provider for Your Chronic Pain

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that chronic pain afflicts roughly 50 million adults in the United States. If you’re a statistic, one of your best bets to keep chronic pain from wreaking havoc on your mental health and interfering with your overall quality of life is to work with your family medicine provider.

Read on to learn about the specific measures your family medicine provider can employ to help you tackle your chronic pain.

Devising a Care Plan for Your Chronic Pain

Chronic pain has various potential causes. It could be caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread body pain), an untreated musculoskeletal injury, multiple sclerosis, or any other health problem.

Your family medicine provider can get to the bottom of your chronic pain by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and current health status as well as ordering the necessary tests (e.g., blood work, diagnostic imaging, etc.).

If your family medicine provider deems that you need advanced treatment, they will coordinate your care with a specialist, such as a neurologist, pain management specialist, or orthopedic provider, to determine the most effective intervention for your problem. Depending on the underlying cause, your care team may recommend surgery or ongoing treatment.

Recommending Additional Strategies for Chronic Pain

Your family medicine provider may recommend any or some of the following strategies to enhance the efficacy of your care plan:

  • Exercise program – Exercise can have a positive impact on both your mood and pain threshold. It is also especially beneficial if your chronic pain is caused by arthritis, as it helps increase your mobility by reducing joint inflammation and stiffness.
  • Relaxation techniques (e.g., breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, etc.) – These have been shown to help with chronic pain by stimulating the production of the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins).
  • Joining support groups – This equips you with emotional support as well as useful information about your specific condition.
  • Smoking cessation program (supervised by your family medicine provider or another healthcare provider) – Studies show that smoking is linked to many health problems that cause chronic pain.
  • Behavior therapy/ professional talk therapy – Your family medicine provider may recommend either or both of these modalities to help improve your coping strategies.
  • Nutritional recommendations – Your family medicine provider may recommend a diet plan that includes anti-inflammatory foods, which can help with chronic pain.

Treatment for Chronic Pain in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, FL

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our board-certified internist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and our board-certified family nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene are best known for their commitment to delivering the best possible treatment outcomes for the gamut of conditions—including those that cause chronic pain—affecting people of all ages. We will gladly collaborate with the right specialist to help you live well with or even conquer your pain.

To arrange a consultation with one of our providers, contact us at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment by filling out this secure form.