Reno, Nevada and Carson City area residents can feel confident turning to the experts at Swift Institute for arthritis treatment. Since being founded in 1966, we’ve served tens of thousands of patients, and our team possesses the training and experience needed to skillfully treat your condition.
What is arthritis?
People often refer to their joint pain simply as “arthritis,” but there are actually more than 100 different kinds of arthritis and related conditions. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage on the ends of bones to gradually break down. Without the protection of cartilage, the bones begin rubbing directly against one another, causing pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Some other common types of arthritis are psoriatic arthritis (an inflammatory condition affecting some people with psoriasis) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder that develops when the immune system attacks the lining of joints).
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Symptoms will vary depending on the type of arthritis and how far the condition has progressed. With that being said, some of the most common symptoms of arthritis include:
- Decreased range of motion
- Pain
- Redness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth
Patients with psoriatic arthritis may experience a number of additional symptoms, including conjunctivitis, foot pain, lower back pain, and nail pitting.
How is arthritis treated?
Doctors often recommend that arthritis patients begin treatment using conservative techniques, which may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Exercise
- Heat/cold therapy
- Pain medication
- Periodic rest
- Physical therapy
In some severe cases, however, joint repair or replacement surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Before discussing potential treatment methods, it may be helpful to explain exactly what osteoarthritis is. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, causes the cartilage that protects the ends of bones to gradually wear away. This can take place anywhere in the body, but most often affects the spine, hands, hips, and knees. Osteoarthritis causes several unpleasant symptoms, including the following:
- Pain
- Grating sensation
- Joint stiffness
- Clicking sound in joints
- Mild swelling
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, meaning that it worsens over time. As such, osteoarthritis symptoms tend to get more severe as time passes.
How Can I Treat My Osteoarthritis?
Unfortunately, the degenerative process associated with osteoarthritis cannot be reversed. With that being said, however, there are various ways to manage the symptoms caused by this condition. Many osteoarthritis patients have found success using conservative treatment methods such as pain medication, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and gentle exercise. In some cases, however, surgery may be needed. If that’s true for you, you can rest easy knowing that the team of orthopedic specialists at Swift Institute includes surgeons who are well-versed in joint replacement operations, as well as physical and occupational therapists who can guide you through rehabilitation. When you make an appointment with us, we’ll discuss your symptoms, perform an evaluation, and recommend a course of treatment best suited to your needs.
