Did you know that over 54 million adults in the United States are affected by arthritis, making it one of the leading causes of disability? This prevalent condition not only causes joint pain and stiffness but can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday activities. Understanding arthritis symptoms and exploring effective treatments is the first step toward reclaiming your active life.
At Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates, we provide expert care for arthritis and other orthopaedic conditions. Our team creates personalized treatment plans to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life. Take control of your joint health—schedule an appointment today!
From identifying early warning signs to exploring the latest treatment options, this blog is here to guide you through managing arthritis effectively.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis affects millions, causing joint pain and stiffness that disrupt daily life. Recognizing early signs, like rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, is key to getting timely treatment and preventing complications. Early action helps maintain joint function, mobility, and well-being.
- Joint pain that may worsen with movement or activity.
Pain in the joints often increases with physical activity, especially in weight-bearing joints, making it harder to stay active.
- Swelling around the affected joints.
Swelling can cause discomfort and may indicate inflammation in the damaged joint.
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
Joints may feel tight and hard to move, particularly after rest or inactivity, which could point to slow joint damage over time.
- Reduced range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
Simple actions like bending, lifting, or gripping may become challenging, especially in the same joints as the condition progresses.
- Warmth or redness around the joint area.
These symptoms are signs of inflammation, often seen in cases of severe rheumatoid arthritis, and may accompany pain and swelling.
If you have joint problems, consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing damage and maintaining joint health.
Effective Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment Options
Environmental factors and autoimmune diseases can influence arthritis symptoms, making it essential to address underlying risk factors. Physical therapy, guided by a physical therapist or occupational therapist, can improve joint mobility and strength through a targeted exercise program. Occupational therapy can also help adapt daily tasks to reduce joint strain.
Lifestyle changes play a key role in managing arthritis. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, staying active with low-impact exercises, and losing weight or avoiding weight gain can reduce joint stress and inflammation.
For persistent pain, treatments like corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can provide relief by reducing inflammation or lubricating joints. Applying ice packs can also help relieve pain and inflammation after activity. These approaches, combined with lifestyle adjustments, can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How GPOA Treats Arthritis with Personalized Care
At Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates (GPOA), we prioritize a patient-focused approach to arthritis care, addressing everything from joint inflammation and severe pain to musculoskeletal pain caused by arthritis. Our specialists create individualized treatment plans to relieve arthritis pain, protect joints, and prevent further joint damage.
We combine advanced medical therapies, disease-modifying drugs, assistive devices, physical therapy, and lifestyle guidance to ease pain, improve mobility, and keep joints moving. For severe cases, we offer joint replacement surgery using artificial joints to restore function.
Our approach often involves early treatment, utilizing diagnostics like blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and assessments of blood flow to evaluate the impact on body systems. Whether you're dealing with a painful joint or considering clinical trials for cutting-edge solutions, our goal is to provide targeted pain relief and enhance your overall quality of life.
Your Path to Improved Arthritis Care Starts Here
Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates offers expert, personalized arthritis treatment with advanced therapies and compassionate care.
Contact Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates today to schedule your appointment and discover how our comprehensive arthritis services can help improve your mobility and quality of life.
