Arthritis Specialists

Understanding Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Joints are places in the body where bones come together, such as the knees, wrists, fingers, toes, and hips.

How many different types of arthritis are there? There are over one hundred types of arthritis, and an estimated 58.5 million adults in the United States alone suffer from the condition. It's also one of the largest causes of work disability and common in people who deal with other chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

There is currently no cure for arthritis, but it can be treated and managed by a qualified doctor for joint pain who can help you reclaim your life and restore your functionality. 

The Most Common Types of Arthritis

Understanding the specific type of arthritis you have is crucial for effective treatment and management of your symptoms. 

Osteoarthritis (OA)

What is osteoporosis arthritis? It's a degenerative joint disease often involves the hips, knees, neck, lower back, or small joints of the hands. Osteoarthritis is the actual wearing down of the cartilage at the bones' ends, and this causes damage to the joint and bone. Changes that occur usually worsen over time, leading to stiffness and swelling. Simple movements can be very painful in cases involving osteoarthritis. About 32.5 million adults in the United States are affected by osteoarthritis.

People are more at risk for developing osteoarthritis if they:

• Already Have Joint Damage
• Tend to Overuse Their Knees
• Are Older as Risk Increases with Age
• Are Female and Over 50
• Have Family Members Diagnosed with Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease usually involves various joints in the:

• Fingers
• Thumbs
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Shoulders
• Knees
• Feet
• Ankles

Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are when the immune system attacks itself and the healthy cells in your body. This response leads to inflammation in the parts of the body where this is happening.

People are more at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis if they:

• Are in Their Sixties
• Are Female
• Have Inherited Genes Associated with RA
• Smoke Cigarettes

Finding a qualified doctor of rheumatoid arthritis is crucial because early intervention can significantly manage symptoms and reduce joint damage.

Other Types of Arthritis List

While osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two types of arthritis that people are most often diagnosed with, there are other types that people frequently develop. 

A list of arthritis types includes:

Juvenile Arthritis

Also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, juvenile arthritis affects around 300,000 kids and teenagers in the United States. Juvenile arthritis is a general term for inflammatory and rheumatic diseases in anyone under 16. It is the most common form of chronic arthritis in children and teens and can last anywhere from a few months to a life-long condition. As is typical with arthritis, it causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion. While the exact causes of juvenile arthritis are unknown, it is believed that it can be linked to genes activated by a virus, bacteria, or other factors.

Infectious Arthritis

Also known as septic arthritis, this is a type of arthritis that is suddenly brought on by an infection. It can lead to painful permanent joint damage. Infectious arthritis can result when an infection in another part of the body migrates to a joint, which usually only happens in one joint. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi cause infections, and most cases of infectious arthritis stem from bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common type of bacteria, which causes a staph infection. The onset of infectious arthritis is quick and brings intense swelling, fever, chills, and pain. If treated quickly and appropriately, septic arthritis can be cured and does not have to be a long-term illness. However, if untreated, it can cause permanent joint damage.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints that happens in those with psoriasis. This type of arthritis can manifest in any joint in the body, and symptoms tend to vary per person. Typically, it involves swelling of the joints and some stiffness when a person first gets up, which clears up as they move around. It can start at any age, although it is most commonly seen in people between 30 to 50 years of age. Psoriatic arthritis affects about 15% of people with psoriasis. Most people who develop psoriatic arthritis get it between five to twelve years after having psoriasis.

Early signs of psoriatic arthritis are:

• Noticeably Swollen Fingers and Toes
• Fatigue
• Swollen and Tender Joints
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Nails Pitted or Separated from the Nail Bed

Gout

A common inflammatory arthritis, gout usually develops in one joint at a time, with that joint often being the big toe. When symptoms worsen, gout flares often last about a week or two and then clear up, a period known as remission, which can last for weeks, months, or even years. With the proper treatment and lifestyle changes, gout is one of the most accessible forms of arthritis to manage and control.

Gout tends to cause pain, swelling, redness, and heat in the affected joint. Gout happens due to hyperuricemia, when there is too much of a build-up of a substance called uric acid, and needle-like crystals form in the joint. While there is no cure, gout can be effectively treated with medical assistance and lifestyle changes.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Also known as Bechterew's Disease, ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that occurs mainly in the spine althogh other joints can also be affected. Ankylosing spondylitis causes spinal joint and tissue inflammation, leading to a rigid spine and severe, chronic pain. Generally, people experience mild symptoms, but more severe cases can lead to ankylosis.

When ankylosis occurs, new bones start to form in the spine and cause the spine to fuse, where it becomes immobile and leaves the affected person in a hunched position. Ankylosing spondylitis usually occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood, although it can begin at any age.

Causes of Arthritis Pain

Arthritis pain primarily stems from inflammation in the joints.

Various factors can trigger this inflammation, but some common causes include:

• Gradual Wear and Tear of Joint Cartilage: Wear and tear of joint cartilage can result in bone grinding, which leads to pain and restricted movement.
• Overactive Immune System: An overactive immune system attacking the body's tissues, as seen in rheumatoid arthritis, causing painful swelling and potential joint deformity over time.

Risk Factors for Arthritis Pain

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis pain.

These factors include:

• Age: The risk of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, increases due with age to the cumulative wear on your joints.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are commonly affected by gout, another form of arthritis.
• Family History: Genetic factors can make some people susceptible to certain types of arthritis.
• Obesity: Excessive weight puts additional pressure on joints, particularly knees, hips, and spine, increasing the risk of arthritis. Those who are overweight will know when to see a doctor for arthritis, because the joint pain has become unbearable.
• Previous Joint Injury: People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint. 

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis pain manifests in various ways, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Joint Pain: Joint pain is typically a dull ache or burning sensation felt inside a few joints, particularly after repetitive use.
• Joint Stiffness: Stiffness in the joint can make it difficult to move and usually worsens after periods of inactivity, like upon waking up in the morning.
• Swelling: Inflammation can cause swelling around the joint, making it appear larger or distorted.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Over time, arthritis can reduce joint mobility, making everyday tasks challenging.

Variation in Symptoms Based on Arthritis Type

• Osteoarthritis: OA usually develops in joints injured by repeated activity from a favorite sport or constant physical action. Eventually, this injury or repeated impact thins and wears away the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the joint. As a result, the bones rub together, causing a grating sensation. Joint flexibility is then reduced, bone spurs develop, and the joints swell. Usually, the first symptom of OA is pain that immediately follows physical activity or after periods of immobility.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: As an autoimmune inflammatory disease, RA causes enzymes to destroy the linings of joints. This damage causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and even malformation. People with rheumatoid arthritis may have symptoms presenting as:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight Loss
• Eye Inflammation
• Anemia
• Bumps Under the Skin (Subcutaneous Nodules)
• Lung Inflammation

Variation in Symptoms Based on Severity

The severity of arthritis pain can significantly influence the type and intensity of symptoms.

• Mild Arthritis: Symptoms are limited with mild arthritis and do not interfere much with daily activities. They may include slight stiffness and pain in the joints.
• Moderate Arthritis: Moderate arthritis symptoms become annoying and more persistent, potentially interfering with daily activities. Pain and stiffness could be constant or come and go.
• Severe Arthritis: When living with severe arthritis, chronic pain and inflammation significantly limit daily activities. Constant or intermittent pain, stiffness, swelling, and significant joint damage can occur.

Remember, early detection and treatment can help manage these symptoms effectively. At Pain and Spine Specialists, our arthritis care specialists are dedicated to helping you understand your symptoms and find the best treatment for your unique needs.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Our approach to diagnosing arthritis at Pain and Spine Specialists is thorough and patient-centered. Our doctors for arthritis understand that every individual's experience with pain is unique, and we tailor our diagnostic process accordingly.

Our goal is to accurately diagnose your condition and guide you toward the most effective arthritis care plan.

Explore Our Arthritis Treatments

The Pain and Spine Specialists team is dedicated to providing comprehensive spine arthritis treatment options. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to offer a wide range of therapies tailored to your specific needs.

Injection Therapies

Injection therapies can provide immediate relief from arthritis pain and inflammation. Depending on your condition, we might recommend:

• Hyaluronic Injections: Hyaluronic injections can help lubricate your joints, reducing pain and improving mobility.
• Medial Branch Block: A medial branch block is a targeted injection that can help diagnose and manage the pain from arthritic facet joints.
• Epidural Steroid Injection: Epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve severe arthritis pain.

Advanced Interventional Procedures

We offer a range of advanced treatments that can provide long-lasting relief from arthritis pain.

• Spinal Cord Stimulation: SCS uses electrical impulses to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to reduce pain signals from the arthritic joints.

Conventional Therapies

Alongside our advanced treatments, we offer traditional therapies such as:

• Medication Management Programs: We'll monitor your medication use to ensure it's providing the maximum benefit.
• Referrals to Physical Therapy: Regular physical therapy can help improve joint strength and flexibility.

Alternative Therapies

We also offer referrals to our sister company, Shakthi Health and Wellness Center, for alternative treatments like:

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that can reduce arthritis pain.
• Amethyst BioMat: Amethyst BioMat uses far infrared rays to promote healing.
• Infrared Sauna: Regular sessions with the infrared sauna can help alleviate arthritis symptoms by improving circulation and relaxing muscles.

The Role of Pain Specialists in Treating Arthritis

At Pain and Spine Specialists, our arthitis doctors understand that living with this condition can significantly impact your daily life, limiting your mobility and causing persistent discomfort. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you manage your symptoms, regain control of your life, and maintain your independence.