Arthritis is a common ailment that affects millions of people in the United States. The two most prevalent types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both can have devastating effects on your mobility and overall quality of life, and both respond well to treatment.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, is our internal medicine physician in Lanham, Maryland. She specializes in primary care and chronic disease management for adults of all ages in the metropolitan area of Washington, DC.
Here are Dr. Leach’s tips for managing arthritis.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, each causing varying degrees of joint damage. Arthritis affects one in four adults in the United States, and the resulting inflammation, stiffness, and pain from arthritis is a leading cause of disability.
We often think of arthritis as part of aging. That may be true for the most common type, osteoarthritis (OA), which occurs as joint cartilage deteriorates over time. However, traumatic injuries and repetitive motion during work, sports, and hobbies can cause early degenerative changes that lead to osteoarthritis.
On the other hand, some types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis [RA]and lupus) are related to a faulty immune system that attacks healthy joint tissue. Some types of arthritis, such as gout, are often related to diet and may be worsened by kidney disease, diabetes, and other chronic ailments.
Thus, anyone of any age can develop arthritis. Successful arthritis treatment depends on the type, but you can take steps to manage and perhaps slow its progression.
Dr. Leach’s tips for managing the most prevalent forms of arthritis include:
Typical symptoms of OA include joint pain and swelling that usually develops slowly and worsens over months to years as the condition progresses.
The discomfort usually increases with activities that stress the affected joints, such as running or walking. OA can occur in any joint, but the ankles, knees, hips, lower back, and other weight-bearing joints are most vulnerable. OA is also common in the fingers, wrists, and hands.
Unfortunately, significant joint damage from OA cannot be reversed. However, we can slow its progression, thus reducing or eliminating your symptoms.
One goal of any arthritis treatment is reducing or eliminating joint inflammation. You may benefit from anti-inflammatory medication that also helps control pain.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends trying a slightly modified version of the Mediterranean Diet to help curb inflammation, reduce blood pressure, and protect against chronic conditions like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Otherwise, physical therapy, weight management, and joint-friendly exercises are extremely beneficial in reducing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms related to osteoarthritis.
Early diagnosis and treatment are also crucial in managing osteoarthritis. Dr. Leach can develop a comprehensive plan that helps protect your joints, whether you’re already experiencing osteoarthritis or want to prevent future joint disease.
Early detection and aggressive treatment can lead to remission for some patients with RA. During remission, the symptoms are greatly reduced or they disappear. However, this doesn't mean the disease has been cured.
Medications for RA include anti-inflammatories and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that slow disease progression. RA also responds well to habits utilized in OA treatment, including joint-friendly exercise, physical therapy, weight loss, and improved nutrition.
With RA, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can indeed halt inflammation, reduce joint damage, and improve or maintain your quality of life.
Don’t ignore your joint health. Schedule a visit with Dr. Kadie Leach today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
