An estimated 54 million adults are diagnosed with arthritis, and that is on the conservative side. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage attached to the ends of the bones wears down over time. Generally, arthritis affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. However, it can damage or impact any joint in the body. Regardless of what type of arthritis you have, it is imperative that you stay ahead of the illness. By taking a proactive approach and doing what you can to lessen your symptoms, you will have a better chance of living pain-free.
Arthritis can show up as a dull, sharp, or burning pain or dullness in the joints. For the millions of people who suffer from this disease, the pain is persistent and nagging. Those with chronic arthritis (lasting longer than three to six months) must learn how to manage it in order to live a fully happy life. Others suffer from arthritis flares, which happen a few times a year when the joints suddenly become inflamed and painful. Arthritis most frequently affects people over the age of 65 and it gets worse with age. Arthritis does not discriminate, affecting people of all races and genders, although women are more susceptible than men. Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis, only treatments that will ease your pain and make you more comfortable.
To ensure your arthritis is properly diagnosed and treated, it is important to visit a specialist. Proper diagnosis is absolutely imperative when it comes to living with arthritis. You will need to visit your specialist for regular checkups to ensure the disease is under control and not getting any worse. For some people, a simple change in diet can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Others may be able to reduce pain and swelling with ice packs or a heating pad, depending on the location and source of your pain. Alternative therapies such as injection therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and regenerative medicine or stem cells have also been effective.
At Texas Partners Healthcare Group, it is our mission to help our patients find the right treatment for their particular needs. We understand how painful and frustrating living with arthritis is and we are dedicated to working with you to improve your quality of life. While certain medications may help with the symptoms of arthritis, we generally prefer more alternative modalities that get at the root of the problem. Exercise and movement have been proven to strengthen the muscles, increase endurance, and lessen pain associated with certain types of arthritis. To learn more about how we treat arthritis, please contact one of our locations in Allen, Anna, Dallas, Frisco, and McKinney.