Arthritis is a term that doctors use to refer to more than 100 different types of joint inflammation. Arthritis is characterized by stiffness, soreness and swelling where two bones meet, mostly in the shoulders, elbows, knees and hips. Some of the more common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
If you suspect your joint pain is the result of or related to arthritis, the reliable care you need is at Riverview Health.
Although arthritis can appear in several forms, the most notable symptoms include joint pain, soreness, swelling, localized warmth, stiffness and an inability to bend the affected joint.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. If you have arthritis, you may notice clicking or crackling sounds when you bend your joint, especially in your hip or knee. Additional symptoms of arthritis can include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis typically occurs due to excessive wear and tear of your cartilage and bones, or may also be caused by a joint injury years after it occurs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your immune system thinks healthy tissues are harmful and attacks them. RA results in your body producing antibodies for the lining of your joints, while lupus attacks your joints and other parts of your body. While genetics can be to blame in some cases, the exact cause is not known.
Gout
Usually treated by your primary care physician, this condition occurs when there are excessive amounts of uric acid crystals within your joints, and is most common in men who are older than 40. Eating food that contains high levels of purines, such as game meats, shellfish and alcohol, can cause gout. Other factors that may cause gout include certain medicines, joint injury, sudden weight loss and dehydration.
Diagnosing & Treating Arthritis at Riverview Health
Our orthopedic specialists will likely use a combination of several methods to diagnose arthritis. This may include discussing your medical history and symptoms, conducting a physical exam, ordering X-rays and blood tests, running a joint fluid analysis or recommending an arthroscopy to get a better view of the joint.
It’s important to note that although there’s no cure for arthritis, the orthopedic specialists at Riverview Health can help control your pain levels and reduce inflammation through medications, as well as physical and occupational therapy.
Learn more about how you can keep your active lifestyle while managing arthritis by trusting your care to Riverview Health. Request an appointment with our orthopedic team today by calling 317.565.0505 or by completing an appointment request form.
Riverview Health is a reliable resource for orthopedic conditions, such as arthritis, for people living in Noblesville, Carmel, Cicero, Fishers, Sheridan and Westfield, IN.