Arthritis
What is arthritis?
The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation. It refers to more than 100 different diseases. These diseases usually affect the area in or around joints such as muscles and tendons. There are many types of arthritis. Most forms of arthritis are chronic which means they may last a lifetime.
How does arthritis feel?
Arthritis usually causes stiffness pain and fatigue. The severity varies from person to person and even from day to day. In some people only a few joints are affected and the impact may be small. The joints of the body are the site of much of the action in arthritis. Many types of arthritis show signs of joint inflammation: swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness or warmth. Many things affect how your joints and muscles feel. When your joints are inflamed or damaged, you need to take certain precautions as you do all your daily activities. You can also learn how to use your body with the least stress to your joints for less pain, easier movement and even more energy. Arthritis can make it hard to do the movements you rely on every day for work or taking care of your family.
What are the treatments for joint pain and arthritis?
The focus of treatment for arthritis is to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. The treatment options include medication, injections, non-pharmacologic treatments such as physical therapy and the use of cane or walker, and surgery.
This information provided by the experts of the Total Joint Center at Midland Memorial Hospital.