Finding Doctor Arthritis is the first step towards coping with this painful disease. When you visit a clinic for your annual physical, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. The questions on this questionnaire will help the doctors make a diagnosis of what type of arthritis you have and what treatment is available. There are three basic types of arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Infective Arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common form of Arthritis and affects nearly 20 million Americans. Symptoms of RA include joint pain, swelling, and redness. The most common form of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis which affect the elderly, but can affect anyone at any age. Common treatments for RA are Non-Steroidal Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (NSAIDs), steroid injections, and joint liquid nitrogen.
There are several symptoms that may indicate you do not have Arthritis but instead an ailment that may cause joint pain such as tendonitis or bursitis. Some of these conditions can become severe if not properly treated and one way to determine whether or not you do have Arthritis is to go through a medical exam with a medical professional. During the exam your doctor will ask you about your current health history, the medical history of your family, and your symptoms such as pain in your joints. A doctor will also perform a physical examination on you to determine the severity of your symptoms. The results of the exam and a couple of blood tests can tell the arthritis doctor whether your symptoms are caused by Osteoarthritis or another condition.
If the doctor determines you do have arthritis, your next step is to decide which treatment option will best suit your needs. Treatments for joint pain caused by Osteoarthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, cortisone shots, physical therapy, and other pharmaceutical medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce swelling and some pain while cortisone shots will reduce the inflammation in your joints and help to temporarily relieve joint pain. Other prescription medications that your arthritis doctor may recommend are prescribed to control pain and to improve your mood and overall health.
Even if you have mild symptoms of joint pain, if you do not get treatment it can cause serious health complications later in life. Arthritis can make it difficult or impossible to work, get around, and even sit up. Even though you do not feel the pain initially, over time joint pain can lead to severe problems and disability.
Arthritis doctors can diagnose your condition and discuss treatment options with you and your care provider. Arthritis doctors are knowledgeable and skilled at diagnosing and treating various types of conditions including Osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing symptoms of this disease, it is important that you take immediate action. Take the time to consult with an Arthritis doctor and get the relief that you need.