Almost everybody suffers from joint discomfort at some point in their lives, particularly after a fall or other accident. However, not all pain is the same. Your pain may be just a flare-up from an earlier injury if it comes and goes or is limited to a single joint. Nonetheless, if the pain has become a constant part of your life, or if it has spread to other parts of your body, it may be time to seek professional help to discover if you have arthritis. Dr. Jaymes Granata and his staff at Battle Born Bone and Joint Center provide expert diagnoses and discuss the available care choices with you. Arrange an appointment with the Las Vegas arthritis specialist today through mobile or book online to find out more.
What Exactly Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a blanket word for joint pain, although it encompasses more than a hundred different conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two of the most prevalent forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage around bones wears down, causing the bones to rub together. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis develops whenever the patient’s immune system attacks the joints, causing swelling that affects the joints and other organs.
When You Have Regular Pains And Aches
If you have a new injury or overworked joint, straightforward at-home cures like over-the-counter medicines, rest, or cold and heat therapies could assist. If your discomfort does not subside, you should consult a specialist and try some long-term remedies. Based on the severity of the injury, you may benefit from therapies like:
· Physical therapy
· Massage
· A weight-loss strategy
· Corticosteroids shots
· Dietary modifications and/or supplements
When is it a Cause of Alarm?
Pain and stiffness are common with aging; thus, many might disregard their joint discomfort as a natural aging sign. Nevertheless, there are some indicators that you should be aware of and talk with your physician since they could indicate a type of arthritis.
Stiffness, particularly if it persists far into the morning, could indicate that you suffer from arthritis discomfort. Other indicators include:
· Restricted mobility because of joint pain
· Experiencing crunching sounds whenever you move, particularly in joints such as the knee
· Notice joints locking up or muscle weakness, prompting you to lose your equilibrium
If you realize any of these symptoms, an orthopedic expert at Battle Born Bone and Joint Center could assess you and request imaging tests like an MRI or X-rays to establish the type and extent of your injuries that are causing your arthritic pain.
If you have osteoarthritis, your care plan may include the basic forms of pain medication mentioned previously, as well as light activity. In more severe stages, your doctor might suggest total joint replacement.
Unlike common belief, chronic joint pain is not an unavoidable component of aging. Do not allow arthritis symptoms to diminish your quality of life. Schedule a consultation at Battle Born Bone and Joint Center to explore the care alternatives available for you by calling the office or using the online scheduling tool right away.