Arthritis

Do you suffer from arthritis symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling? This common condition can make everyday movements challenging, but the correct care can help you manage your symptoms. At Twin Creeks Orthopedics & Sports Injury Clinic in Allen, Texas, you can rely on expert care and treatment for arthritis — whether due to aging, autoimmune issues, or other factors. Book an appointment for treatment to help you maintain mobility and improve your quality of life. Call or schedule a visit online today.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It affects millions worldwide and can impact daily activities and overall quality of life. 

There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when cartilage wears down over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

 Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type. They typically include:

• Joint pain that worsens with activity or after periods of rest
• Swelling and tenderness in affected joints
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
• Reduced range of motion, making it difficult to move joints fully
• Redness and warmth in the affected joints (common in inflammatory arthritis)
• Fatigue and general feelings of illness (more common in autoimmune arthritis like RA)

Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly and may range from mild to severe.

What causes arthritis?

Different types of arthritis have various causes:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): caused by wear-and-tear on your joints over time, often due to aging, obesity, previous joint injuries, or repetitive stress on your joints
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): an autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, leading to inflammation and joint damage
• Gout: caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain and swelling
• Psoriatic arthritis: linked to psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition
• Infectious arthritis: caused by infections affecting the joints
• Reactive arthritis:  infections elsewhere in the body trigger this type of arthritis

How is arthritis treated?

While there’s no cure for arthritis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving joint function. Common treatments include:

• Medications: pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying drugs (for autoimmune types)
• Injections: cortisone (steroid) and hyaluronic acid injections help reduce inflammation and pain
• Regenerative therapy: PRP injections, exosome injections, and prolotherapy promote healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve range of motion
• Physical therapy: strengthens muscles around joints to improve movement and reduce pain
• Lifestyle changes: regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and joint-friendly activities like swimming or yoga
• Surgery: in severe cases, joint replacement or repair may be necessary

Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow progression and improve quality of life.

If you have arthritis, contact Twin Creeks Orthopedics & Sports Injury Clinic today for an appointment by phone or online.