Arthritis is a condition that causes painful swelling and inflammation in the joints, most commonly of the hands and knees. In addition to swelling, other symptoms of arthritis include stiffness and, in many cases, limited mobility.
An estimated 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. Also known as wear and tear arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that protects the joints begins to deteriorate as the result of normal wear and tear with time and age. Osteoarthritis can also result from trauma or injury, most often caused by repetitive motions common in sports and athletics.
Arthritis Doctor in Beverly Hills
Anyone can suffer from osteoarthritis at any given time, but the most common cases are seen in women over the age of 40. Some other factors that can play a key role in the development of osteoarthritis include:
- Age
- Weight
- Genetics
- Gender
- Repetitive stress and mechanical injuries
- Sports and athletics
- Underlying illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation as a result of the body’s immune system attacking healthy tissue) or certain metabolic conditions
An experienced arthritis doctor in Los Angeles will take a detailed medical history and perform a full physical exam (which may include diagnostic tests like x-rays or MRIs). Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (which differs from osteoarthritis in that it is an autoimmune disorder) require treatment from a specialist known as a rheumatologist.
With rheumatoid arthritis, the swelling and inflammation that results from the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue occurs in the lining of the joints. Treatment options for arthritis will vary from patient to patient and depend the type and severity of the condition. Typically, arthritis treatment focuses on managing symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and preventing permanent joint damage.
Next, read more about arthritis pain in Beverly Hills.
