Understanding Arthritis & Treatment Options

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Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis, simply put, is the gradual deterioration of the joint cartilage – a smooth and lubricating protective tissue that protects and supports the joint’s surface during movement. As this cartilage is worn out, the bones will begin create harsh friction against each other, causing significant pain and stiffness as a result. Although osteoarthritis can technically develop in any demographic, it is most common in patients over the age of 50 and with a family history of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissue, causing severe inflammation in the joint’s cartilage and synovium membrane. As a result of swelling and thickening in the synovial membrane, excess synovial fluid is produced that will lead to further pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis affects women far more often than men, specifically three times more often,* and the disease can also effect the body’s other organs such as the heart and even skin.**

  *www.mothernature.com
**www.jointpainny.com

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

This type of arthritis can develop after a joint injury in which the bone and its cartilage do not properly heal, the joint will be left with a rigid and uneven surface that could lead to further damage.

This disease involves accelerated bone growth with irregular density and form, in turn causing pain and inflammation around the joints. Paget’s Disease often occurs in the hip.

Paget’s Disease

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular Necrosis can develop when a bone is deprived of its usual blood flow, resulting in a lack of nutrients which will in time lead to structural weakening and eventual damage. This can often occur after long-term cortisone treatments or organ transplantation.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis where the joint’s smooth lubricating tissue that coats the surface is broken down, leading to friction during movement. This causes increasingly worse pain, restricted range of motion, and overall discomfort. It is for this reason that osteoarthritis is referred to as a degenerative disease. Most often this disease affects the spine, hips, hands, and knees however it can occur in any joint of the body. Causes of osteoarthritis range from injury to the joint, prolonged stress to the joint from certain activities, natural aging, as well as conditions like diabetes and gout.

Osteoarthritis – Definition

Osteoarthritis Treatment

The main focus of osteoarthritis treatments is not so much to reverse the effects of the disease thus far, but to prevent as much further damage to the joint as possible. Basic changes to your diet and exercise regimens can greatly improve the effectiveness of your treatment, as can the use of assistant devices (orthoses) and physical therapy if recommended by your doctor.

While certain medications like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to minimize pain in the early stages of the disease, other surgical treatment options may be suggested by your doctor in the later stages when pain worsens. These procedures include but are not limited to arthrodesis (surgical fusion of the joint’s ends), arthroscopy (using a camera to examine and precisely repair the cartilage on the joint’s surface), and an artificial joint replacement where a prosthesis device is inserted in place of the joint.

Whether you already know of your osteoarthritis diagnosis, or you suspect that you are beginning to show symptoms of the disease, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor to talk openly about further evaluation and available treatment options in the Fort Myers area.

“I am a patient of Dr Hood & have been one for several years. Although my case is very complicated Dr. Hood has been very supportive & suggestive. I am in Ft. Myers for about 7 months of the year. In July my pain became out of control & I flew to Florida for injections.Not only did they worked me in so I could fly back out to get back to my Family but Erica from his office call to see how I was making out! Erica is always so pleasant to deal with but for her to take the time to call me when her schedule is taxing just blew me away. This was above & beyond & hopeful Dr. Hood will make every effort to keep her a part of his office. Dr. Hood & Erica Are a winning team!”
— Paul F

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