Arthritis
Arthritis Doctor in Harford County, MD
Arthritis is a chronic disease that progressively worsens, so it’s important to diagnose this common condition as quickly as possible to begin treatment. Louis Silverstein, MD, and his team at Silverstein Medical are extremely experienced in diagnosing and treating all forms of arthritis, and they’re currently seeing new patients.
Call the office in Havre de Grace, Maryland, or make an appointment online if you experience any stiffness or pain in your joints.
What is Arthiritis?
Arthritis is just a name for inflammation in one or more joint that usually occurs as you age and gets worse over time, leading to stiffness and pain. The two main types of arthritis are:
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Osteoarthritis - when the hard, slippery tissue that cushions your joints, called cartilage, begins to wear away
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Rheumatoid arthritis - an autoimmune disorder that targets synovium, the tissue in the lining of your joints
Gout, another very common form of arthritis, is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints. An infection or diseases like lupus and psoriasis can cause other forms of arthritis.
Treatment of Arthritis
At Silverstein Medical, arthritis treatment focuses on managing your symptoms, making you comfortable, and helping you to recover your range of motion. Typically, treatment for arthritis involves medications like analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and various other drugs designed to soothe your joints. Sometimes physical therapy can also be helpful, especially for regaining your range of motion.
If you’re interested in learning more about arthritis treatment, call Silverstein Medical today and make an appointment, or make one online with the online scheduling tool.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis usually involves:
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Pain in the afflicted joint
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Stiffness
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Visible swelling
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Redness
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Decreased range of motion or weakness
Your symptoms may vary based on what type of arthritis you have, but the majority of cases of arthritis involve these general symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis may also include symptoms like:
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Loss of appetite
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Low-grade fever
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Fatigue
While psoriatic arthritis can present symptoms like:
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Sausage-like swelling of the fingers, toes, or both
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Pain in your heel or sole of your foot
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Lower back pain
Psoriatic arthritis spreads to each part of your body as psoriasis affects it.
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors can increase your chances of getting arthritis, including:
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Family history of arthritis
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Age, your risk increases as you get older
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Gender - men are more likely to get gout, while women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis
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Previous joint injury
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Obesity
In general, joints that are under an unusual amount of stress or are overused are more likely to develop arthritis.