Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to numerous medical conditions involving inflammation in one or more of your joints. Arthritis symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Decreased mobility

Arthritis symptoms vary and usually come and go in flares. Arthritis can cause joint deformity over time.

What causes arthritis?

Several factors can cause or exacerbate arthritis, such as: 

• Infections
• Uric acid crystals
• Underlying diseases

In addition, certain risk factors for arthritis might be hereditary and out of your control, such as:

• Aging
• Family history
• Previous joint injuries
• Genetics

Lifestyle factors, such as physical activity level and nutrition might also play a role in the development of arthritis.

What are the different types of arthritis?

There are numerous forms of arthritis including:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is an arthritic condition involving gradual damage and wear and tear to the cartilage in your joints. An infection or an injury can trigger or worsen osteoarthritis.

Severe cases of osteoarthritis can cause the bone to grind directly on the bone. This bone friction leads to pain and limited movement. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body’s own immune system starts attacking the lining of the joint capsules called the synovial membrane. Your joints get swollen and inflamed and the disease process can gradually destroy bone and cartilage.

Other inflammatory arthritic conditions

Certain other inflammatory arthritic conditions like ankylosing spondylitis can be associated with genetics, bacteria, and environmental factors.

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that can be painful and cause widespread inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can also affect other organ systems like the eyes. 

Damage can occur to the bone and cartilage as well. The spinal bones from the neck down to the pelvis can calcify, forming new bone, bone fusion, and a stooped-forward posture.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Jafari discusses your symptoms and medical history in detail and performs a physical exam. She also assesses your joints for any indications of arthritis and inflammation. 

Dr. Jafari might recommend additional testing, such as an X-ray, or urine, blood, or joint fluid tests.

How is arthritis treated?

To properly treat and manage your arthritis, Dr. Jafari might suggest:

• Nutrition counseling
• Regular appropriate exercising and stretching
• Assistive devices (such as a cane)
• Vitamin supplementation
• Weight loss if you have excess body weight
• Heat and cold therapies, such as ice packs and a warm compress
• Medications, such as pain relief, biologics, steroids, and anti-inflammatory 

Dr. Jafari and the health professionals of Texas Premier Physicians can treat your arthritis and improve your physical functioning and quality of life. Book online or call today.