Arthritis Treatment in Plano, Dallas, Prosper & Allen, TX
Arthritis is a condition characterized by painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. This condition may affect one or several joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, each with specific causes and corresponding treatments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 55 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis. The four most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type, usually targeting people aged 60 and older. Early symptoms of osteoarthritis are loss of flexibility, pain, swelling of joints and bone spurs.
Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that cannot be permanently cured. The best you can do is to manage its symptoms. Drinking green tea and eating nuts, broccoli, low-fat dairy products, citrus fruits and garlic are some of the home remedies that you can use.
If you have severe osteoarthritis, you need to see your doctor. Your doctor will most likely ask you to take acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as quick relief for the inflammation and pain. You may require surgery, such as bone realignment with fusion, joint replacement and cortisone injections. If osteoarthritis is left untreated, it could get worse. Complications include massive cartilage breakdown, bone death (osteonecrosis), bleeding in the joint and fractures.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered an autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system fails to function. The immune system is the body’s first line of defense. It protects the body from diseases, pathogenic cells, viruses, and other harmful substances. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect women more often than men. Symptoms include swelling and pain in the joints. As the condition progresses, painful nodules will form on the hands and feet along with deviation of the fingers and toes.
There is no permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The best you can do is to take supportive treatments to manage your symptoms. Without supportive medication, this condition could get worse. Surgical options are reserved for severe cases. Some of the complications of rheumatoid arthritis include carpal tunnel syndrome, lung disease, heart problems and osteoporosis.
Psoriatic Arthritis is a type of arthritis experienced by people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes scaly patches, redness and itching. Like other types of arthritis, joint inflammation and pain are early signs of this condition. In some cases, eye inflammation and nail separation may also occur.
It is best to treat psoriatic arthritis before it develops severe complications. Possible complications are eye problems, diabetes, stomach problems, liver issues, kidney problems and cardiovascular diseases.
Gout happens when you have an overwhelming uric acid deposit in your bloodstream. Uric acid is a compound of hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. The excess uric acid will form crystals that will block the nerves in your joints. Gout is the most painful type of arthritis and usually affects the big toe.
NSAIDs help a lot in managing gout. Also, you can take xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as allopurinol to reduce the uric acid deposits in your body. Meanwhile if you prefer the traditional way of treating gout, you can include herbs and food supplements in your diet. Consult your foot doctor for more information about alternative treatments for gout.
Some of the most common complications of gout include joint deformity, kidney stones, bone loss and joint damage.
What is the best treatment for arthritis?
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) confirmed that the nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most effective treatments for arthritis. Based on the AAOS’ report published in 2017, the top three most prescribed NSAIDs in the U.S. are naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen.
How do NSAIDs manage the symptoms of arthritis?
NSAIDs are good blockers of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that induce swelling and pain sensation to the body.
Can arthritis be cured?
Most types of arthritis have no cure. These are considered chronic illnesses. However, there are many treatments used to manage the symptoms of arthritis. Some of the most common ways to manage arthritis symptoms include taking NSAIDs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, corticosteroids and counterirritants.
What foods make arthritis worse?
If you want to manage the symptoms of arthritis, avoid eating inflammatory foods. These are foods that trigger inflammation of the bones and joints. The top eight most inflammatory foods to avoid include:
- Processed and fried foods
- Refined carbs and sugars
- Dairy products
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Corn oil
- Preservatives
- Salty foods
What’s the best natural remedy for arthritis?
Although there are lots of medical treatments available to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, natural remedies are often the best. Natural remedies typically have fewer to no side effects. They also boost the immune system and are cheaper and easy to find. Some of the best natural remedies for arthritis include:
- Reduction of weight
- More physical activities
- Hot and cold therapy
- Acupuncture
- Meditation
- Omega-3 foods or supplements
- Adding turmeric to your food
- Massage therapy
- Reduction of weight
- More physical activities
- Hot and cold therapy
- Acupuncture
- Meditation
- Omega-3 foods or supplements
- Adding turmeric to your food
- Massage therapy
Arthritis Causes
Several factors may lead to the development of arthritis. The cause may vary depending on the particular type of arthritis that you have. You will most likely develop arthritis when you experience any of the following:
- Injury
- Abnormal metabolism
- Infections
- Compromised immune system
Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms that you’ll experience will depend on the kind of arthritis you have. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Difficulty moving your joints
- Stiffness
- Grinding sensations
- Red joints
- Deformity of joints
- Lumps around joints
Arthritis should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent complications. You can try the natural remedies, but if you want quick relief, you may need to undergo surgery. But before you decide, make sure you consult with a rheumatologist.
Over the years, Graff Foot Ankle and Wound Care has maintained its standing as the most competent clinic offering leading-edge arthritis treatments. And since we genuinely value our clients, we keep our rates low. We also offer a wide array of medical services and have the most advanced medical equipment to ensure faster, more efficient treatments.
Are you suffering with arthritis foot problems? Schedule an appointment with Graff Foot Ankle and Wound Care. Call (972) 403-7733 today or use our convenient Request an Appointment form to schedule your visit.
