Arthritis

Signature Health Services can help with the management and treatment of arthritis.

Arthritis and how we care for it

Overview

A joint is supported and cushioned by soft tissues that prevent the bones from rubbing with each other. Some of the largest joints, such as knees or elbows, are supported by tendons and ligaments. Ligaments connect a bone to another bone, and tendons connect bones to muscles. The articular cartilage is a connective tissue that helps the joints to move without friction or pain. A synovial membrane is a pocket of fluids that lubricates some joints.

Arthritis is the primary cause of disability in the United States. Around 60 million adults are affected by some form of it. It provokes stiffness, pain, and inflammation of the joints and the surrounding tissues. There are several types of arthritis, each one with different causes, symptoms, and treatment needs. Arthritis usually affects senior citizens, but it can develop in women, men, and children of almost all ages.

Types of arthritis

Arthritis is a wide-range term that defines over 100 joint diseases and conditions. The most common types of arthritis are:

Ankylosing spondylitis. Pain and inflammation of the spine joints, usually in the lower back.
Gout. It is a disease that causes the formation of hard crystals made of uric acid in the joints.
Juvenile Arthritis. The immune system attacks joints and the surrounding tissues, generally in children 16 or younger.
Reactive arthritis. An infection of the body typically causes it. Its symptoms last as long as the condition lasts.
Osteoarthritis. It is the most common type and commonly attacks older people. It develops when the cartilage breaks down from stress.
Rheumatoid arthritis. It is a disease of the immune system that attacks the synovial membranes of the joints.

Causes and risk factors

The type should determine the cause of the arthritis in question. For example, too much uric acid in the body might lead to developing gout. On the other hand, the leading causes are still unknown for several different types of arthritis. However, there are several factors to take into account, such as

Family history of arthritis.
Certain viral infections or autoimmune diseases.
Playing a sport or having a job that repeatedly stresses the joints.

Symptoms of arthritis

Depending on the type, the most commonly watched symptoms of arthritis may include:

Pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Redness
A diminish in the range of motion
Extreme tenderness

A physician might run some tests to determine whether the symptoms are caused by the development of arthritis or by some other condition.

Arthritis treatment

Osteoarthritis treatment: Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Physicians typically treat the symptoms with a combined strategy that includes weight loss, increasing physical activity, pain relievers, physical therapy for muscle strengthening, and supportive devices such as canes or crutches.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment: As an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) utilizes the body’s defensive system to attack the joints’ healthy cells. RA can be managed with medications that depress the immune system, slowing the disease and preventing joint deformity. Maintaining adequate body weight helps to avoid excessive joint stress.

Can arthritis be prevented?

There is no known cause for many arthritis types, and there is no sure recipe for preventing the disease. Nonetheless, the following are some actions you can take to lower the odds of developing arthritis:

Reduce the risk of physical injuries to the joints.
Keep a healthy body weight.
Avoid smoking and utilizing other tobacco products.
Do regular low-impact exercise.

One of the most significant risks that come with pain is inactivity. If the sedentarism increases, you may be at a greater risk of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or other severe conditions. While there is no cure for arthritis, most patients should learn how to manage their illness for the rest of their lives.

Why choose Signature Health Services?

A licensed specialist should conduct every physical therapy session. Although patients with arthritis usually can manage their pain, there could still be some fears and restraints.

At Signature, we have the experience and resources to provide the best support for the patient and the family. Also, our registered nurses may help with assistance at every level of need.

For more information on how Signature Health Services can help with your healthcare needs, please call 1 (800) 277-8291 or email information@signaturehealthservices.net.