Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, most commonly those of the hands, knees, and feet. When a patient suffers from arthritis, inflammation will cause swelling, pain, stiffness, and in more severe cases, limited mobility of the joints.
Arthritis Treatment in Beverly Hills
There are many different forms of arthritis, and treatment will depend on the particular type of arthritis a patient is suffering from, as well as the patient’s own medical history, age, gender, and overall health and physical fitness levels. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is generally the result of aging and the normal wear and tear on the joints. Mechanical injuries and obesity, which put additional pressure and stress on the joints, can cause osteoarthritis to developer quicker and become more severe.
Although it is most common in the hands and knees, osteoarthritis can also affect:
- Wrists
- Neck
- Back
- Hips
Unlike other forms of arthritis that can affect the organs, osteoarthritis is localized to the affected joint.
Arthritis treatment in Beverly Hills will depend on the affected joint and the individual patient. The most common forms of treatment are medication to reduce pain and swelling, physical therapy in the form of a prescribed exercise plan, and in cases where the patient is overweight, a diet and weight loss plan can also be implemented. In certain cases where the joint has been damaged, surgery may also be an option.
Other forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus, are autoimmune disorders, where the inflammation is the result of the body’s own immune system misidentifying healthy tissue as foreign. Treatment for autoimmune disorders requires a full diagnosis by an experienced rheumatologist.
Next, read more about knee arthritis in Los Angeles.
