How Can I Find A Solution for My Bone Pain and Arthritis?
Bone pain from arthritis is an inflammation of the joint that affects about 350 million people all over the world. While many people many equate arthritis with the elderly, people of all ages can develop this condition—even children.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common form. Other types of arthritis include lupus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis and all can affect the level of bone pain you may experience.
The most common symptoms of arthritis include:
- Pain and aching near the affected joint
- Swelling and/or stiffness around the joint
- Some types of arthritis only target a specific region while other types like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can affect many organs and cause systemic symptoms. Arthritis can cause such severe symptoms that it can affect your ability to work or even move around.
The Causes of Arthritis
There are typically two common ways that arthritis can develop. One is through wear and tear of articular cartilage due to aging, repeat use or injury; the other type is due to inflammation. But despite the cause of your arthritis, many of the symptoms are the same.
Diagnosing Arthritis
Through discussing your symptoms and performing a physical examination, we can determine whether your symptoms are indicative of arthritis. X-rays can also help us determine how much damage has occurred in the joint. Other tests may also be performed to help us determine the type of arthritis you have.
How to Treat Arthritis
There are many ways to manage arthritis symptoms and your orthopedist is happy to discuss your treatment options. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen (which targets both inflammation and pain). If arthritis pain is severe and not responding to OTC medications then we may prescribe a stronger medication.
- Steroidal injections inserted into the joint may provide some temporary relief; however, these injections should not be done frequently as this can damage the joint over time.
- Splints, braces and other devices can help take stress off arthritic joints. Also, physical therapy and certain exercises may also be recommended to improve range of motion and increase strength in the muscles surrounding the joint.
- As is the case with most conditions, if your arthritis isn’t responding to any nonsurgical treatments and you’re still experiencing symptoms then your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery. There are many different kinds of surgeries used to treat arthritis and the type of procedure we perform will depend on the type and severity of your arthritis. We would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your treatment options.
To schedule a consultation on orthopedic surgery for bone pain and arthritis, contact Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine today!