Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

There are numerous different forms of arthritis, but they all cause inflammation of the joints, accompanied by pain and stiffness.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis often affects older people as a result of the gradual deterioration of cartilage that protects the ends of bones. If the cartilage wears away entirely, the bones rub against one another, which causes pain, inflammation, and stiffening of joints.

Osteoarthritis may develop over many years as a result of general wear-and-tear, or occur after an infection or injury. Younger people may get osteoarthritis particularly if their joints are subject to repetitive strain or damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the next most common type and is an autoimmune disorder in which your body mistakenly attacks the connective tissue lining your joints. Pain and inflammation follow, and over time, the disease can damage cartilage and bone in the affected joints.

Other forms of arthritis develop as a result of uric acid crystal buildup, infections, and diseases such as psoriasis and lupus.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Perijoc examines your joints and looks at your range of movement to diagnose you with arthritis. To identify the specific type of arthritis you have and determine the extent of any damage to your joints, she orders additional tests, such as:

• Blood test
• Urinalysis
• Joint fluid test
• X-rays
• CT (computerized tomography) scan
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Ultrasound

The results from these tests help Dr. Perijoc create a treatment plan personalized to your specific needs.

What treatments are available for arthritis?

Arthritis isn’t curable, so treatments focus on relieving pain and discomfort and improving mobility. Several approaches can achieve these goals, and you may need a combination of therapies to find optimal relief from your symptoms. Potential treatments include:

• Painkillers
• Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• NSAID creams or gels
• Capsaicin or menthol cream
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic response modifiers
• Oral or injectable corticosteroids
• Physical therapy
• Splints or braces
• Massage
• Acupuncture

When treating patients who have arthritis, Dr. Perijoc looks at ways to improve general health and well-being in all aspects, rather than focusing solely on managing the arthritic symptoms. Eating a well-balanced diet, finding ways to relax and reduce stress, and exercising regularly are all excellent ways of boosting your health and reducing the impact of arthritis on your life.

Find out how Dr. Perijoc can help alleviate your arthritis pain by calling North Texas Internal Medicine Specialists today or booking an appointment online.