types of arthritis

Top Arthritis Symptoms Treated in Wellington

Arthritis is a common condition, yet it is frequently underestimated and misunderstood. Many people tend to shrug it off as “just a bit of wear and tear” or chalk it up to aging. In reality, arthritis is far from the usual aches and pains, and it is not an inevitable part of getting old—it has no cure and, without proper medical care, it can lead to permanent disability.

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not just one disease: it is an umbrella term for 100 different joint conditions, each with its own set of challenges. Despite their differences, many types of arthritis share common warning signs. It is important to pay attention when your body starts dropping clues and take action right away. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of avoiding irreversible joint damage and preserving your mobility and overall quality of life.

Below, you will learn about the common symptoms of arthritis and where to find treatment for it in Wellington, FL.

Joint Pain

Joint pain, also known as arthralgia, is the most common symptom of arthritis. Depending on the type you have, you may experience either a dull ache that is gradual and persistent, or sharp, severe pain out of nowhere. You might feel it in your hands, shoulders, knees, hips, or even your feet, and it can manifest after periods of rest and exercise.

If you are finding yourself constantly reaching for painkillers or skipping activities because of sudden or recurrent attacks of joint pain, it is definitely worth getting checked.

Swelling

Swelling is another hallmark sign of arthritis, and its cause depends on the type of arthritis you are dealing with.

With wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), swelling occurs due to friction, which happens when the cushion (cartilage) lining your joints wears down and your bones grind against each other.

With inflammatory types of arthritis like gout and rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system goes into overdrive, mistakenly attacking the tissues in your joints. This triggers an inflammatory response, which is essentially part of your body’s healing mechanism. Inflammation causes the lining of your joints to swell up and produce excess fluid. This buildup of fluid leads to visible swelling around the joint.

Unlike swelling caused by minor injuries, arthritis-related swelling tends to linger or ebb and flow. If the area around a joint looks visibly enlarged or feels puffy for more than three days, and rest and ice do not bring relief, see your healthcare provider to find out its underlying cause.

Stiffness

Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after a long period of inactivity, is another common sign of arthritis.

Like swelling, stiffness related to osteoarthritis (OA) is a result of cartilage damage, while stiffness in inflammatory types of arthritis is due to swelling of the joint lining and excess fluid buildup.

If you find yourself struggling to move a joint, or needing time to loosen it up before you can function normally, it could be a sign that arthritis is at play.

Fatigue

Fatigue is another common symptom of arthritis, albeit lesser-known. Arthritis-related fatigue has a number of potential causes, namely:

  • Sleep deprivation: The nagging pain related to the condition can make restful sleep elusive, leaving you feeling spent the next day.

 

  • Stress: Unrelenting arthritis symptoms can lead to stress, which triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline. While helpful in short bursts, constant elevation of these hormones can disrupt your natural energy cycle. This results in physical burnout.

 

  • Inflammation: The inflammatory response is an energy-intensive process in itself. Your body requires energy to ward off what it perceives as a potential threat.

 

  • Inactivity: The pain and stiffness associated with arthritis can make movement seem like a tall order. However, without it, your energy levels can take a hit. When you are sedentary, your blood flow slows down. Reduced blood flow deprives your cells of oxygen, which drives your metabolism, a process in which your body turns food into energy.

 

Treatment for Arthritis in Wellington, FL

Arthritis is one of those conditions that you are never meant to tackle alone. You need an expert by your side to help you rein in your symptoms, slow its progression, and maintain your independence.

For top-tier treatment for arthritis in Wellington, FL, partner with us here at Advanced Medical Clinic. Our providers specialize in chronic disease management and have helped countless men and women feel, move, and live better despite their conditions—they can help you, too.

To request an appointment with Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, our board-certified internist, or Shariffa Gunawardene, our board-certified family nurse practitioner, call us at (561) 434-1935. You may also fill out this secure online form.

 

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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!