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Arthritis

According to statistics compiled by the National Arthritis Data Workgroup, as many as 22% of American adults are living with arthritis or a rheumatic condition. For those in and around Sarasota and Venice, Florida, help is available through the care of William J Cole Jr. DO, Sandeep Kola, DO, and the team at OrthoMed Pain & Sports Medicine. Call or book your initial visit online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single condition. It’s a term used to describe a collection of conditions characterized by tender or swollen joints. This chronic health disease can affect people of all ages, although older people have higher rates of arthritis.

Some of the different types of arthritis include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Septic arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis

Some types of arthritis are degenerative in nature, while others result from an autoimmune disorder or other medical condition. 

What are some symptoms of arthritis?

Knowing what to look for can make it easier to understand when to seek treatment for arthritis. Joint pain is the primary sign of arthritis, but some of the other symptoms include:

  • Swollen joints
  • Limited range of motion
  • Stiff joints
  • Redness around an inflamed joint
  • Sensation of warmth in or around the affected joints

If you notice these changes, schedule a diagnostic exam to determine if you have arthritis.

Are there treatments that can help with arthritis?

Numerous treatments can help you improve arthritis joint pain and enjoy an enhanced range of motion without stiffness and soreness. Finding the right treatment path may take a period of trial and error, but you’ll have the support of the OrthoMed Pain & Sports Medicine team throughout the process. 

Getting plenty of exercise is a great way to reduce arthritis pain. The human body is designed to be in motion, and a sedentary lifestyle can make arthritis symptoms even worse. If you’re carrying significant extra pounds, weight loss can go a long way toward improving arthritis symptoms.

Certain supplements and dietary enhancements can also help with arthritis symptoms. Some diets offer powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, and can also help you lose weight, reduce blood pressure, and treat or avoid diabetes. 

Corticosteroid joint injections can treat arthritis by reducing inflammation in your joints. This is an especially effective treatment for rapid onset arthritis pain. Joint injections are not a permanent pain relief treatment, but can help manage pain while your body’s innate healing abilities work to resolve the problem. 

To explore these and other treatments for arthritis, call OrthoMed Pain & Sports Medicine to set up a visit. Fast and easy online booking is available.