If you're an active person, you probably enjoy a lot of different activities. But if you have arthritis, many of the things you love may seem impossible due to the pain it causes. Treatments are available, but there are lifestyle changes that can help as well.
At Orthopedic Associates of Wisconsin, our team is ready to help you fight arthritis with a variety of treatments. Our team is led by Dr. Mitchell Klement, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He gives you the tools and treatments you need to get your arthritis pain under control.
Arthritis is a common ailment that affects you at any point in your life. There are a lot of different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common. Each type of arthritis has different causes, which helps Dr. Klement determine a treatment plan for you.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis, meaning it’s caused by wear and tear in your joints over time. The bones in your joint are covered in protective cartilage that keeps your joint safe from injury. Over time, this cartilage wears down, which leads to inflammation and pain. One of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis are your knees.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common form of this condition, and is also known as inflammatory arthritis. This type of arthritis is caused by an over exaggerated immune response, which leads to your immune system attacking the protective lining within your joint. This leads to a slew of other problems, including pain.
Symptoms of arthritis typically depend on the type of arthritis that you’re suffering from. Pain is one of the most common complaints among arthritis sufferers, but there are other symptoms that affect you as well, including:
These symptoms are the most common symptoms that you’ll experience if you suffer from osteoarthritis. The cartilage damage leads to inflammation in your joint, which causes most of your symptoms. Although rheumatoid arthritis has some of the same symptoms, there are also separate symptoms due to the fact that it’s caused by an immune response. These symptoms could include:
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, make sure to see Dr. Klement as soon as you can, as early treatment prevents further joint damage and complications down the road.
Once you figure out that arthritis is the culprit for your symptoms, you want to get rid of your pain as soon as possible. Dr. Klement recommends treatment based on the severity and location of your arthritis, along with what type of the condition you’re suffering from.
Conservative measures are the first step Dr. Klement recommends in the treatment of mild to moderate arthritis pain. But there are also some tips for you to use at home to manage your symptoms as well and they include:
Over-the-counter pain medications help to ease the pain related to arthritis. However, talk to Dr. Klement before using any of these medications longer than a few days, as they have side effects.
Staying active helps to relieve your pain by increasing strength and flexibility in your joints. When you’re feeling stiff and uncomfortable, light exercise helps to ease discomfort in your joints. If you feel severe pain, consult Dr. Klement before continuing activities.
Splints and braces help you to immobilize joints that are painful. These aids give your joint the support it needs to decrease your discomfort. Braces and splints also help you to prevent injury to the arthritic area.
Both of these are great options when dealing with arthritis pain. Heat increases the blood flow to the joint, which in turn helps with the stiffness related to arthritis. Ice decreases inflammation, which also helps relieve pain. Try both to see which works best for you.
Excess weight puts extra strain on many of your joints, which makes your arthritis symptoms worse. By losing a few extra pounds, you ease your pain and feel healthier as well.
If all else fails and conservative measures don’t work to ease your pain, Dr. Klement recommends joint replacement surgery. This procedure is invasive, so it’s reserved as the last resort if no other treatment works for you.
Don't continue to suffer with the discomfort of arthritis, call our office to schedule a consultation at 262-223-3040, or you can book an appointment online today.
