Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of degenerative conditions primarily affecting your joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and common symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Warmth around your joints
• Immobility
• Sleep problems

Most types of arthritis get worse as you age. However, Dr. Nguyen and his team can help you manage your arthritis to minimize its effects, reduce your pain, and maintain your mobility. 

While treatments might differ between different forms of arthritis, they all aim to help improve your quality of life. Since arthritis is a chronic disease, Dr. Nguyen helps you create an ongoing chronic disease management plan. 

What are the most common types of arthritis?

Some types of arthritis are especially prevalent among aging adults because they are degenerative. Dr. Nguyen and his team can diagnose and help you manage these common types of arthritis or others:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common of all types of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage, a substance softer than bone, breaks down as you age. Soon, the bones in your joints rub together with no smooth cartilage to protect them. It can cause you to develop painful bone spurs and injuries within your joints. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning it develops because your immune system has trouble discerning between natural body tissues and pathogens. If you have it, your immune system attacks the healthy tissues in your joints. 

How does arthritis treatment work?

Dr. Nguyen and his team customize your arthritis treatment to fit your needs. They can help you design a diet and exercise plan with or without medication to improve your symptoms. You may need to try more than one treatment or several combinations of treatments before finding the best approach. Often, treatment for arthritis involves:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Pain relief medications
• Counterirritant ointments and creams
• Biologic response modifiers
• Corticosteroids
• Physical therapy
• Splints or braces
• Weight loss

In many cases, conservative, non-surgical treatments are enough to reduce pain from arthritis and help you keep the mobility you have. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair, replace, or fuse an arthritic joint. Dr. Nguyen and his team specialize in non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments but can refer you for surgery if you need it. 

Arthritis can make simple tasks like walking or sleeping more difficult or very painful. To find an arthritis treatment that works for you, call Nguyen Medical Group, or book an appointment online today.