The doctors at Simpson Clinic, LLC, in Weber City, VA, are the experienced professionals you want on your side when managing the pain caused by arthritis. Nearly one in five adults will be diagnosed with some form of arthritis in their lifetime and this medical condition can lead to a wide range of unwanted side effects if a comprehensive treatment plan isn’t developed. For those that have been diagnosed with arthritis or at risk of developing this joint condition, here is a closer look at its symptoms, treatment options, and pain management techniques.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
The type and severity of symptoms that one will experience with arthritis depends on a number of factors. This includes which joints are being affected by the arthritis, the individual’s age, their overall level of health, and the type of arthritis they have been diagnosed with. Currently, the condition “arthritis” is actually an umbrella term given to over 100 different medical conditions, but most patients are diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis. The most common symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
Professional Medical Treatment
Those with arthritis should understand that more comprehensive and intensive treatments such as surgery are generally only carried out on patients with severe arthritis. Many times, medical professionals will suggest a number of lifestyle changes or preventative pain medication in order to manage the symptoms of arthritis before exploring their options for surgery.
In older patients, joint replacement and joint fusion are the two most common surgical options when other preventative measures have failed. Younger patients may be eligible for osteotomy, or the removal of small bits of bone to prevent arthritis in the future.
Arthritis Pain Medication Options
Dr. Simpson and his staff will often recommend both oral and topical medications that can be used to help alleviate discomfort from arthritis. For advanced cases, medical professionals will often recommend daily prescription medication to ease one’s pain. There is also the option for over-the-counter oral painkillers and topical pain relievers. Anti-inflammatories and steroids are two more common options and can be taken orally or are injected directly into the affected joint for immediate relief.
Lifestyle Changes for Pain Management
No matter what other options are used, the medical professionals at Simpson Clinic, LLC in Weber City, VA will also recommend a number of lifestyle changes to help manage the pain or remove the side effects of arthritis completely. This often begins with better weight management and range of motion exercises. There may also be foods that should be avoided to reduce inflammation and doctors may suggest a change to one’s bed, shoes, and posture to reduce pressure on various joints.