Best Treatment Options for Your Arthritis

Arthritis is sadly a very common type of chronic joint inflammation that will only increase as the population grows and ages. So if you suffer from arthritis, you’re far from alone. In the U.S. annually, nearly 55 million people develop some form of arthritis or other joint inflammation, and that number is only expected to rise in the coming years. So it is very important to understand the best options for treating this chronic joint pain.

You should be treated by a team of specialists who can treat your chronic joint issues. Dr. Brian Snow, Dr. Charles E. Toulson, and Dr. Duncan McKeller Jr. and the rest of the experienced staff at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine have many methods to offer you the best care for arthritis and many other joint needs.

What causes arthritis? 

Quite often, the tenderness and swelling in the joints that many deal with comes from either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, but there are over 100 types of arthritis, including gout and lupus. There are many genes that may increase the chance of getting arthritis, in combination with factors like viruses and injury. There are many environmental factors that can cause arthritis as well. 

Who is at risk for arthritis?

According to the CDC, 60% of the working-age deal with arthritis in the U.S. alone, and some risk factors can increase the chances of getting arthritis or making it worse. These include:

• Obesity
• Infection
• Joint injuries
• Repetitive joint motions
• Smoking

Some forms of arthritis are more common in different genders, and age plays a significant role in joint pain frequency and intensity. 

What can be done to treat it?

There are numerous ways to treat arthritis, many of which will be unique to the severity or type you deal with. The most common methods are: 

• Painkillers: Over the counter or prescribed, but these only manage the pain and not the inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Over the counter or prescribed, used to treat pain and inflammation, available in pill, gel, or cream.
• Steroids: Used to reduce inflammation and suppresses the immune system as a pill or as an injection.
• Physical therapy: Used to treat some forms, sometimes in addition to other methods. Improves range of motion in affected areas.
• Joint surgery: When other methods aren’t effective enough, surgery is an effective option. You may undergo joint repair, replacement, or fusion surgery.

There is no cure, but multiple methods can be used to treat arthritis, and you need to know which treatments work best for you. Call or make an online appointment and let Dr. Snow and the Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team find the best treatment for you.