Arthritis and Its Effects on Various Joints

As the years pass and the body begins to age, it starts to show signs of wear and tear, resulting in, among other ailments, arthritis. Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. There is a variety of types of arthritis, each with different causes including deterioration, infections and underlying diseases. Symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion and stiffness.

At the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD, we understand just how uncomfortable and limiting arthritis can be, and we’re here to help. Our team of professionals will carefully evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment plan to free you from the pain.

Arthritis is the gradual loss of the protective cartilage layer that insulates the surfaces of joints. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis, which results in the erosion of the joints over time; and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system thinks its joint cartilage is a foreign substance and attacks it. 

As arthritis progresses, its painful effects on the joints include swelling, stiffness and deformity, all of which can disturb your mobility and overall quality of life. Your risk of developing arthritis is increased by family history, advancing age, previous injuries to a joint and obesity. 

When it comes to joint health, there have been advances in technology, pain management and surgical approaches that have made recovery easier than ever. Early treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and cortisone injections. If these non-surgical treatments don’t work, intervention from an orthopedic surgeon may be necessary. The most commonly replaced joints are the knee, shoulder and hip, all of which have met with high success rates as a result of the surgery.

At the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled care and your good health. For more information about the many services we provide, please don’t hesitate to call us today. 

By J. Turner Vosseller

September 28, 2022