Arthritis Specialist
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Healthstone Primary Care
Primary Care Practice & Geriatrics located in Weston, FL, Davie, FL, & Pembroke Pines, FL
Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. This musculoskeletal condition causes achy joints and chronic pain that may worsen as you age. Patients in Weston, Pembroke Pines, and Davie, Florida, find relief from arthritis and other common health conditions under the expert care of the skilled medical team at Healthstone Primary Care. Call or book an appointment online to bring movement and ease back to your body once more.
Arthritis Q & A
What causes arthritis?
The types of arthritis you're most likely to get are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). The treatment you receive from Healthstone Primary depends on the type of arthritis you have and may involve a variety of approaches.
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is characterized by aches and pains in your joints. The causes of this condition include the normal stress that aging puts on your joints or an injury to a specific area of the body. When the cartilage wears away, inflammation occurs because bone rubs against bone.
Osteoarthritis is more likely to develop if you have a genetic predisposition to the condition. You’re also more likely to have osteoarthritis if you’re carrying excess weight ― as this increases the stress on your joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a less common type of arthritis. It is an autoimmune condition that causes the lining of the joints to wear away. When this coating ― called the synovial membrane ― is damaged, the result is inflammation, and the cartilage of your joints gets damaged too.
Like other autoimmune conditions, rheumatoid arthritis may have a genetic component.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Arthritis is typically associated with chronic pain. Any of these symptoms may indicate you have arthritis:
- Stiffness or rigidity in your joints
- Redness or swelling in your hands, feet, neck, ankles, or other areas
- Limited range of motion or trouble performing normal activities
You may also have difficulty sleeping through the night, as arthritis pain makes it hard to find a comfortable position. It’s also common for arthritis to flare up or worsen in cold weather.
How is arthritis treated?
The usual treatments for osteoarthritis include therapies that target pain relief and inflammation:
- Physical therapy exercises
- Hot and cold therapy
- Pain medication
- Dietary changes
With rheumatoid arthritis, your physician at Healthstone Primary may use therapies for osteoarthritis, combined with antirheumatic drugs. You might require further testing and a treatment protocol that addresses your immune health, too.
To find relief from joint pain today, book an appointment with Healthstone Primary using the easy online scheduler.