ARTHRITIS

Arthro (joint) + itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the joints with pain, redness, swelling and heat.

There is also associated tissue injury and disease in the joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is called a degenerative joint disease because it results from the deterioration of bones and cartilage that make up the joints.  

The second most common type of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is an inflammatory disease that affects the lining of multiple joints, especially in the hands and feet.  

Many other types of arthritis also exist, however less often.
 
Diagnosis is done in the office by clinical examination with the aid of X-Rays and blood tests.
 
Causes of osteoarthritis include injury, infection, overuse and wear and tear from age. Causes of rheumatoid arthritis and others like gout, enteropathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis are from endocrine and auto-immune origin.
 
Treatment will vary according to the severity and extent of inflammation and pain. We have various methods of treatment available.  Shoe and padding, arch cushions, physical therapy, oral medication, local injection of cortisone and surgery may be utilized.

The patient and doctor can arrive at these decisions after some discussion together.