If you suffer from pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the joints, you know how debilitating arthritis can be. Dr. Trisha Patel of Revive Pain Management in Anaheim, California, has the experience and expertise to help arthritis and joint pain sufferers minimize their discomfort. Call or schedule an appointment online to learn about arthritis pain relief treatments.
Arthritis / Joint Pain Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a term for joint pain anywhere in the body. There are 100 different types of arthritis, and it can affect people of all ages. Arthritis is the leading disability in the United States, afflicting over 50 million Americans.
Arthritis symptoms can come and go and range from mild to severe. If your pain lasts more than six months, then your arthritis is considered chronic. Severe arthritis can impact your daily life, making walking, bending, or using your hands difficult.
The most common forms of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (inflammatory arthritis)
- Gout (metabolic arthritis)
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage covering the bones in your joints. When the protective surface of the bones in the joint wears away, the bones rub against each other and cause pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis is most common in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, but it can occur in any joint.
Dr. Patel treats osteoarthritis with a number of different approaches, based on your condition and degree of pain. Options include medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), steroid injections, or other types of injection therapy that can provide joint pain relief.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of an overactive immune system that attacks the joints and results in uncontrolled inflammation. When a skin rash is also present, it’s called psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Patel treats rheumatoid arthritis with a variety of treatments depending on the location of your condition and the degree of pain. There are multiple prescription medications designed to treat the condition, and steroid injections may also help.
What is gout?
Gout is a result of a buildup of uric acid in the body, which forms crystalized spikes in the joints and causes extreme pain. Dr. Patel can prescribe steroid medications and other anti-inflammatories during a gout attack to reduce pain and swelling in the affected joint. She can also provide pain treatment for ongoing, chronic gout or resulting joint damage.
Arthritis affects millions of Americans and can have a negative impact on your life. If you live in the Anaheim area and are experiencing pain due to arthritis, call or make an appointment with Dr. Patel at Revive Pain Management to find out what options are available to help you return to a pain-free lifestyle