Arthritis

LA Pain Doctor

Pain Management Specialists located in Metairie, Laplace, Harvey, New Orleans, and Luling, LA

Information compiled by the National Arthritis Data Workgroup suggests that more than 22% of American adults have arthritis or some type of rheumatic condition, and nearly 50% of those over the age of 65 are affected. For men and women in and around the communities of Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, and New Orleans, Louisiana, the care of Firas Hijazi, MD, and Satvik Munshi, MD, at LA Pain Doctor is a valuable resource. Booking an appointment takes just moments online or over the phone, so don’t delay.

Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single condition, but a term used to describe chronic joint disease. There are actually more than 100 different types of arthritis, affecting more than 50 million adults and nearly 300,000 children.

Degenerative arthritis

These types of arthritis occur when the cartilage that cushions your joints begins to wear away. Osteoarthritis is the most common form.

Inflammatory arthritis

These types of arthritis occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own joints, causing significant inflammation. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are common forms.

Metabolic arthritis

These types of arthritis occur when uric acid builds up to unhealthy levels, creating painful crystals within joints. Gout is one of the most well-known forms.

Infectious arthritis

These types of arthritis occur when a virus, fungus, or bacterium infects one or more joints. Hepatitis C and salmonella are both examples of infectious arthritis.

The first step in creating a treatment plan is understanding which type of arthritis you’re dealing with.

How do I know if I have arthritis?

Joint pain is the most common symptom of arthritis. Additional factors that might indicate arthritis include joints that are:

Stiff
Swollen
Unable to go through the normal range of motion
Numb or tingling

Some symptoms are not directly tied to your joints, such as fatigue, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, and sleep disruptions. You might also experience dry eyes, dry mouth, chest pain, or a general sense of malaise. It’s important to seek medical care any time you notice significant changes in the way you feel.

What can be done to treat arthritis?

There is no cure for arthritis, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the strain placed on your joints. Lifestyle modifications are a great place to begin.

Improving your diet, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing your muscle strength and flexibility can do wonders for your arthritis pain.

Medications can also play a role in treating arthritis. Some people find relief from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, but there are also numerous prescription drugs that can control pain, reduce inflammation, and alter the way your immune system functions.

Joint injections can help by reducing inflammation and decreasing pain. While relief is temporary, joint injections can make it easier to move through a course of physical therapy.

Some types of arthritis respond well to medial branch blocks. This treatment interrupts the transmission of pain signals between your body and brain.

To explore these and other arthritis treatment options, call the office today to set up a visit, or spend a few moments on the online booking page.