Arthritis

Arthritis pain can be intense and disabling; arthritis has no cure. If you’re tired of painful joints, visit the Union Anesthesia Associates team at one of their convenient offices in Union, Scotch Plains, Bloomfield, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. The board-certified clinicians specialize in helping people manage arthritis successfully and live a more active life. Call your nearest Union Anesthesia Associates office today or schedule a consultation online to experience the benefits of expert arthritis care.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis isn’t a single disease but a collection of over 100 conditions affecting the joints.

Your joints form where the ends of bones meet, enabling you to bend your arms, legs, and body. To prevent friction, layers of cartilage cover the ends of the bones. Cartilage is a tough, slippery substance that allows bones to glide smoothly against each other.

Osteoarthritis damages the cartilage and other joint tissues, preventing this smooth movement. The bone ends roughen, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and weakness. In time, the damage can be so severe that you lose joint function.

Many arthritis forms are rare, but some are widespread, causing long-term pain and disability. Some arthritic conditions affect specific joints, while others can develop in any or all of your joints.

What are the most common kinds of arthritis?

Common kinds of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects many people as they age and is by far the most common form of the condition. It develops when the cartilage on the ends of your bones deteriorates after years of joint use.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It develops when your body’s automatic defense mechanisms go wrong, destroying vital cells. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, your body attacks cells in the joint linings. Rheumatoid arthritis usually develops at a younger age.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is another autoimmune disorder. It affects the skin, causing scaly patches called plaques to develop. Some people with psoriasis also develop arthritis.

Gout

Gout results from a uric acid buildup in certain joints that causes sharp crystals to form. Uric acid is a natural substance that your body typically flushes away, but some people have excessive levels. Gout can affect the knees and other joints but most often develops in the big toes. It causes severe pain attacks that can last several days.

Which treatments can ease my arthritis symptoms?

Arthritis is incurable, but Union Anesthesia Associates can help you manage it. A combination of medication, physical therapy, gentle exercise, and joint injections can keep arthritis controlled for years.

If your arthritis stops responding to treatment, your doctor might recommend radiofrequency neurotomy. This minimally invasive procedure prevents the nerves in your knees, hips, and shoulders from sending pain signals to your brain. Laser surgery is available for spinal arthritis.

Call Union Anesthesia Associates today or book your appointment online for expert arthritis care.