Arthritis Specialist

Why would I get arthritis?

One of the most common reasons for getting arthritis is the aging process. Osteoarthritis develops as wear-and-tear over the years gradually erodes the smooth, slippery cartilage covering the ends of your bones. Joint injuries and overuse can accelerate this process.

The next most common form of arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis – has nothing to do with aging but results from an immune system malfunction. Immune cells target the tissues lining your joints as if they were an invading microorganism and destroy them.

You might get arthritis as a symptom of other autoimmune disorders like lupus or because of an infection (septic arthritis). Arthritis can develop as a complication of the skin disease psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis), or when there's a buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints (gout).

A family history of arthritis also increases the risk of you developing the condition.

What symptoms does arthritis cause?

The unifying symptom of all forms of arthritis is joint pain. This pain can vary from a dull aching or throbbing heat to intense and unbearable agony. Arthritis pain tends to cycle up and down, so some days it might be in the background, and on others, it's front and center.

Your joints could become increasingly stiff while at the same time getting weaker. You might find it challenging to get out of bed or to get in and out of a car, for instance, if you have arthritic knees. 

Arthritis in your hands can severely affect your ability to grip, and as the condition worsens, the joints often become distorted.

Some patients find their symptoms worsen when the weather changes, if they're feeling stressed, or if they do any activities outside their regular routine.

What treatments are effective for arthritis?

In its earlier stages, arthritis can be manageable with conservative options. These might include physical therapy, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and a healthy diet, and medications. Iovera cryoablation is another innovative treatment that can help patients with knee arthritis.

As the condition worsens, your provider at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group might recommend other treatments, such as viscosupplementation (injections of lubricating hyaluronic acid), steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, or stem cell injections into the affected joints.

Would I need surgery for arthritis?

If your arthritis reaches a point where none of these treatments are helping, and the condition has a significant impact on your quality of life, joint replacement surgery is an option for you.

The highly skilled surgeons at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group have extensive experience performing joint replacement procedures. They use minimally invasive approaches wherever possible to minimize damage to the soft tissues and help you heal more quickly.

If you have any symptoms of arthritis, don't delay in getting treatment. Call Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group or request an appointment online today.