arthritis treatment wellington

Understanding Arthritis: A Comprehensive Guide for Wellington Residents

Have you ever woken up in the morning and felt immediate, sharp pain in your joints? Have you struggled to get out of bed or even make a fist because of how sore and stiff your hands were? If so, you have likely experienced the frustrating symptoms of arthritis. Arthritis is a common joint disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Understanding this condition can lead to better management and arthritis treatment and improved quality of life.

This comprehensive guide will help people suffering from arthritis understand the basics of arthritis so that they can make an informed decision about their health.

What Is Arthritis?

The word “arthritis” is taken from the Greek arthron, meaning “joint,” and the Latin word itis, meaning “inflammation.” Thus, it quite literally means “joint inflammation.”

Arthritis is not a single disease. It is an informal term for a group of over 100 diseases that affect joints.

Here are some of the most common types:

  • Osteoarthritis: The most prevalent form, this is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet.
  • Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by painful inflammation, mostly caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint.
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis: A type of arthritis that affects the spine.
  • Juvenile Arthritis: An umbrella term for various types of arthritis in children.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis commonly occurs in some people with psoriasis, a condition characterized by red patches of skin topped with silvery scales.
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus): An autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain.

Each type has unique features, but all types share a common symptom of joint pain and inflammation.

The Main Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis can be triggered by various factors depending on the type. Here’s a closer look at some of the primary causes of different types of arthritis:

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common form of arthritis, often associated with aging. Over time, the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones where they form a joint can wear down due to years of use. This wear and tear leads to bone rubbing against bone, causing the characteristic pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. When there’s too much uric acid, it can form sharp, needle-like crystals in the joint, leading to severe pain and swelling, typically in the big toe.

Autoimmune Arthritis (including Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Some forms of arthritis result from the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and, over time, potential joint damage.

Viral Arthritis

Certain viral infections can trigger arthritis by inflaming the joints. Even the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been linked to cases of viral arthritis.

Idiopathic Arthritis

In some instances, arthritis can occur without a clear cause or trigger. This type of arthritis is referred to as idiopathic arthritis. Despite the unknown cause, it still results in joint inflammation and discomfort.

Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis

Understanding the symptoms of arthritis can help in early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The most common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Decreased range of motion

These arthritis symptoms can come and go and vary in severity. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should visit your doctor. The diagnosis of arthritis may involve a physical exam, lab tests, imaging, or, sometimes, a joint analysis.

Arthritis Treatment and Management

Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. It may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. Here are common treatments:

Medication

Medications can help reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage. Over-the-counter options include acetaminophen, while prescription drugs for arthritis range from painkillers to biologics.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy often starts with gentle exercises to improve joint flexibility and incorporates strength training to support the joint structure. Therapy can also include heat or cold therapy to ease joint pain.

Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Joint replacement surgery is a common surgical treatment to relieve pain and restore function in joints severely affected by arthritis.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

In addition to medical treatments, there are several things you can do at home to manage your arthritis:

  • Manage your weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid joint injuries
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Assess your workstation and modify it, if necessary

Arthritis Treatment in Wellington, FL

Living with arthritis in Wellington can present unique challenges; however, understanding the disease and its management options can make a significant difference. Remember, you’re not alone; your primary care provider can help you navigate this journey.

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our highly trained and experienced primary care provider is committed to offering comprehensive management of a wide range of chronic health conditions, including arthritis.

We believe in continuity of care and will see you through every step of your treatment journey, from initial consultation to follow-up care. If necessary, we’ll connect you with top specialists and collaborate with them to ensure your treatment remains consistent and coordinated.

For more information about arthritis in Wellington or to schedule a consultation, reach out to us today at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!

Staying Active with Arthritis: Exercise Tips for Wellington Residents

Living with arthritis can often feel like a game of tug-of-war with your body. On one end, the desire to stay active and keep your joints moving is essential for managing the condition. On the other hand, pain and stiffness can sometimes make arthritis exercises less appealing.

However, for people suffering from arthritis, including the residents of Wellington, Florida, the key to winning that game lies in understanding the right exercises that can help manage arthritis symptoms while keeping the body well-tuned.

Let’s discuss the importance of staying active with arthritis and some tips for exercising with arthritis.

Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact

Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It has different forms, but the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The effects of arthritis can be far-reaching, impacting not only your mobility but also your mental health, as the condition can be quite debilitating.

Importance of Arthritis Exercises

Exercise is one of the best natural remedies for arthritis. It helps people with arthritis in numerous ways:

Strengthens Muscles Around Joints

Regular physical activity is crucial because it helps keep the muscles around affected joints strong. A stronger muscular framework can better support your joints, reducing their burden and potentially alleviating pain.

Controls Joint Swelling and Pain

Regular arthritis exercises may help control joint swelling and pain, common arthritis symptoms. This benefit is particularly significant since joint pain and swelling often contribute to reduced mobility in people with arthritis.

Improves Mobility and Flexibility

Exercise, especially stretching joints to their full extent, can help maintain and improve flexibility and joint mobility. This improvement can make daily activities easier and less painful for people with arthritis.

Enhances Functional Ability and Psychological Well-being

The benefits of exercise for individuals with arthritis aren’t just physical. Regular physical activity can also improve functional ability, making it easier for people to perform everyday tasks. Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue, a common issue in people with arthritis, particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Moreover, regular exercise can enhance psychological well-being, helping to combat depression and anxiety that can often accompany chronic conditions like arthritis.

Tips for Exercising with Arthritis

Arthritis can make exercise more challenging, but it shouldn’t stop you from staying active. Here are some detailed tips on how to exercise effectively and safely with arthritis:

Schedule Workouts Wisely

Arthritis symptoms can vary throughout the day, often being worse in the morning when stiffness is most noticeable. To make your workouts more comfortable, schedule them for times when you typically experience less inflammation and pain. This could be later in the day when your joints have had a chance to loosen up.

Use Heat Before Exercise

Applying heat to sore joints or taking a warm shower or bath before exercising can help increase blood flow and relax your muscles, reducing joint stiffness and making your workout more comfortable. A warm pack or heated towel can be used for this purpose.

Warm Up with Gentle Stretches

Warming up prepares your body for exercise by gradually increasing your heart rate and circulation. Start your arthritis workout routine with gentle stretches. Use slow, controlled movements during your warm-up and gradually extend your range of motion. This can help reduce the risk of injury and improve your flexibility.

Progress Slowly

When it comes to exercising with arthritis, slower progression is key. If your joints become warm, red, or painful after activity, it may be a sign that you’re overdoing it. Cut back on intensity or duration and then slowly build up as your body adapts.

Listen to Your Body

It’s crucial to pay attention to your body’s signals. If a movement causes sharp pain or increased discomfort in a joint, don’t force it. This could potentially lead to injury. Instead, modify the exercise or try a different one that doesn’t cause discomfort.

Balance Rest and Exercise

For those with rheumatoid arthritis, balancing rest and exercise is particularly important. During flare-ups, when inflammation, pain, and fatigue are increased, it’s essential to rest more.

However, exercise more when your condition is under control to improve joint function and overall health. Short but frequent rest breaks during activity can be more beneficial than prolonged rest periods.

Arthritis Exercises Within a Comfortable Range of Motion

Always keep your movements within a comfortable range of motion. Overextending your joints can lead to pain and injury. If an exercise or movement causes significant discomfort, stop doing it immediately.

Consult a Professional

If you’re unsure how to adapt exercises to suit your needs, consult a physical therapist. They can provide personalized advice and guidance to ensure you exercise safely and effectively.

Arthritis in Wellington, FL

Taking care of your health should always be a priority, even when managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Regular exercise can play a vital role in maintaining joint health and flexibility, reducing pain, and improving overall quality of life. At Advanced Medical Clinic in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, we are committed to helping you manage your arthritis effectively.

Our team, led by internal medicine specialist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene, is dedicated to providing evidence-based care tailored to your unique condition and needs. We will work with your physical therapist to guide you on safe and effective exercises, monitor your progress, and adjust your plan.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!