There has been found to be 100 different types of arthritis. Determining the exact cause can be difficult, because often several factors contribute to an individual developing arthritis including genetics, age, weight, previous injury, occupational hazards, and illness or infection. Symptoms of the disease can differ, but include:

  • Persistant joint pain
  • Pain or tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by movement or activity
  • Inflammation of the joint along with stiffness and/or redness
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme fatigue, lack of energy
  • Non-specific fever

There is no one single treatment plan for a patient with arthritis. Our doctors will develop a specialized care plan to minimize the patient’s specific pain and improve the function of their joints. Treatment can utilize medications to treat the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis such. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, have immediate analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and are relatively safe. Other treatment options can include injections into the affected joints with a corticosteroid, however this is only practical if only a few joints are involved.