Arthritis Specialist
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Alpha Family Medicine Inc.
Primary Care & Geriatric Care Specialists located in Alpharetta, GA
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in people over 60. Arthritis is a painful form of inflammation in your joints or, in some cases, your other organs. Usually, the swelling and stiffness caused by arthritis can be managed with medication and slight lifestyle changes. If you’re one of the countless people in the Alpharetta, Georgia, area, currently living with the effects of arthritis, visit the talented medical team at Alpha Family Medicine Inc., today for treatment. Call the office now, or make an appointment online with the scheduling tool.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is swelling in one or more of your joints that causes stiffness and aching pain. Arthritis is especially common in women and becomes much more likely with age, but its symptoms can be managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
What are the types of arthritis?
Arthritis is quite common and can take several forms, most often including:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective layer of cartilage that protects your joints is worn away, and the resulting friction causes them to swell. You’ll likely experience pain and stiffness, a reduced range of motion, and a grating sensation in the joint, and bone spurs may begin to form.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can affect much more than your joints. The chronic inflammatory disorder can damage the skin, lungs, heart, and eyes in addition to the aches and swelling in the joints common in osteoarthritis. You may or may not notice symptoms in other parts of your body, and sometimes rheumatoid arthritis may go into a form of remission.
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is the least common of these forms and occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body. Inflammation from reactive arthritis usually targets the knees or ankles, as well as sometimes affecting the skin around the eyes and the urethra. If you have joint pain within a month of a serious bout of diarrhea or an infection in the genitals, you may have reactive arthritis.
How is arthritis treated?
Arthritis is usually treated with medication like pain relievers or corticosteroids, though the exact type of medication will depend on the type of arthritis, the severity of your condition, your general health, and any other medications you may be taking.
In addition to medication, physical therapy, dietary changes, and exercise may be suggested to help you slow the progression of the condition and retain strength and flexibility in your joints.
If you think you may have arthritis or you have arthritis and would like treatment, call Alpha Family Medicine Inc., today, or make an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
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