Did you know 1 in 4 adults in the United States have arthritis? Living with arthritis can be incredibly frustrating. The constant aches, stiffness, and limited mobility can severely impact your daily life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Pain management specialists can help.
Pain management specialists are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques to help you manage your arthritis pain and regain control of your symptoms. Learn more about arthritis and the treatments available at East Adams Rural Healthcare.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
What Are the Most Common Types of Arthritis?
There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common types include:
- Osteoarthritis — Arthritis caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the cushioning material between bones. When the cartilage disappears, often due to aging or wear and tear, it can cause the bones to rub together painfully.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis — An autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation and damage.
- Gout — A sudden and severe attack of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints triggered by high uric acid levels in the blood.
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
The symptoms of arthritis will vary depending on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your condition. However, common symptoms include:
- Joint pain ranging from a dull ache to a sharp stabbing pain
- Stiffness, especially in the mornings or after periods of inactivity
- Swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected joint
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty performing daily activities
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of arthritis, make an appointment with your doctor.
How a Pain Management Specialist Can Help Arthritis Pain
One of the most common symptoms of arthritis is joint pain, which could limit both your mobility and your enjoyment of daily activities. Pain management specialists can help you find relief and get back to living a full and active life.
No two cases of arthritis are alike. Your pain management specialist will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific type of arthritis, symptoms, and healthcare goals. They’ll take a collaborative approach to your care, ensuring you have the most effective treatment options.
Arthritis can sometimes exist with other health conditions that add to your pain. A pain specialist will take a holistic approach and consider all the factors contributing to joint pain. They’ll use those factors to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Some of those treatment options might include:
- Medication management — Medication can reduce inflammation, manage pain, and slow the progression of arthritis in the joints.
- Physical therapy — A personalized exercise program can help improve your flexibility and strengthen muscles.
- Injections — Cortisone injections can provide pain relief within the joint.
- Therapeutic Approaches — Heat and cold therapy, ultrasounds, and laser treatments can all help manage pain and inflammation.
- Lifestyle Modification — Losing weight, correcting posture, and using assistive devices can improve joint health.
Get Help for Arthritis Pain at EARH
East Adams Rural Healthcare is home to a team of highly skilled pain management specialists. Their goal is to help you manage your arthritis symptoms so you can live a full, active, and happy life. By working together, we can create a plan that helps reduce your pain and improves your well-being.
Don’t let arthritis pain keep you from doing what you love. Contact EARH today to learn more about our pain management specialists and to make an appointment with our team.
