What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for a group of similar conditions that cause joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It tends to worsen with time if you don’t manage the disease properly. While arthritis doesn’t have a cure, there are measures to ease your symptoms and prevent your joint damage from worsening.
As an experienced rheumatologist, Dr. Sardinas effectively treats all kinds of arthritis. He typically uses nonsurgical approaches for treatment first before recommending any form of surgery. If you need it, joint replacement or repair surgery can improve your quality of life with arthritis.
Which type of arthritis do I have?
There are over 100 forms of arthritis in existence, but a few stand out as the most common types. Dr. Sardinas performs diagnostic tests like joint fluid testing and X-ray imaging to assess your joints and determine which type of arthritis you have. He frequently treats:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, happens because of the gradual wear and tear to your joints with age. The cartilage within your joints wears down, and soon your bones rub against each other painfully.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune type of arthritis. This means that it develops because your immune system breaks down the linings of your joints. Over time, it can affect the bones in your joints and other areas of your body.
Gout
Gout is a metabolic type of arthritis stemming from excessive uric acid in your system. Uric acid builds up in your joints to form crystals, most often affecting the joint of your big toe.
Psoriatic arthritis
Like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis develops because your immune system attacks your own tissues. It occurs alongside psoriasis, an autoimmune condition causing inflamed skin patches with silvery scales.
How can I manage my arthritis?
Managing your arthritis can reduce the amount of damage that happens over time and help you maintain your mobility. Many treatments focus on relieving the inflammation that leads to joint pain, discomfort, and some of the stiffness. After assessing your joint damage, Dr. Sardinas might recommend:
- Ultrasound-guided steroid joint injections
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Immunosuppressant medications
- Biologics
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
- Splints or other devices to stabilize your joints
When conservative approaches like these are unsuccessful in relieving your joint pain or improving your quality of life, Dr. Sardinas often recommends joint replacement or another type of surgery to control the damage in your joints.
To find out more about the various types of arthritis and learn about the available treatments, call Alfredo Sardinas Jr MD PA, or book an appointment online today.
