Arthritis
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. If the joint pain caused by arthritis is impacting your well-being, Board-certified in internal medicine, Vaijinath Chakote, MD, and his team at Empire Medical Services in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Flushing, and Rockaway Beach, New York, can help you find treatment options to help you enjoy life again. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
arthritis q & A
What is arthritis?
About 1 in 5 adults in the United States develop some kind of arthritis in their lifetime, and it can afflict anyone regardless of their age, gender, or race. Arthritis is a disease that affects your joints, and less commonly can affect your skin as well.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, which is when your cartilage wears away and bones rub against each other painfully, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease where your body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Arthritis symptoms usually include pain in the affected joints. Other common signs and symptoms include:
- Swollen or stiff joints
- Red or warm joints
- Tenderness
- Difficulty with mobility
Symptoms can be constant or come and go and can also range anywhere from mild to severe. In severe cases, arthritis can cause permanent joint damage.
What causes arthritis?
There are over 100 types of arthritis, and many different factors go into who develops a form of the condition. Factors that can increase your risk for arthritis include:
- Growing older
- Being a woman
- Genetics
- Being overweight or obese
- Previous injury
Some joint pain is normal, but if the pain increases suddenly, the pain and swelling aren’t going away, or autoimmune disorders or arthritis-related diseases run in your family, it’s important to see a doctor. Dr. Chakote and the team at Empire Medical Services are experts in the field and can accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and help develop a treatment plan that addresses the underlying problem.
What treatments are available for arthritis?
There are many different treatment options available depending on the type and severity of your arthritis. Some treatment plans Dr. Chakote and his team at Empire Medical Servcies may recommend include:
- Physical therapy
- Weight management
- Splints
- Medications
- Surgery, in rare cases
It’s important to start treatment when you start noticing any arthritis symptoms. The later you wait, the more likely you are to have permanent joint damage.
Call Empire Medical Services or schedule an appointment online today to regain mobility and find relief from your arthritis pain.
