Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. The affected joints become tender and swollen. This can cause crippling pain. At Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist, Dr. Weinheimer specializes in conditions that affect your hands, wrists, thumbs, fingers, shoulders, and other joints.

Osteoarthritis causes age-related wear-and-tear on your joints, while rheumatoid arthritis causes your body’s immune system to attack the joint lining. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce your risk of suffering joint breakdown and pain.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis can cause several unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint deformities

If you have severe arthritis, doing everyday tasks will feel uncomfortable. Your joints can become deformed and twisted without the proper treatment.

What are the risk factors for arthritis?

Arthritis can happen to anybody, but some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:

• Older age
• Obesity
• Genetics
• Family history of arthritis
• Previous joint injuries
• Gender

Women suffer from rheumatoid arthritis more than do men. But men are more likely to develop gout, a kind of arthritis that primarily affects the joints in the big toe.

How does my doctor diagnose arthritis?

To find out if you have arthritis and develop a treatment plan, Dr. Weinheimer reviews your symptoms and medical history. He then completes a physical exam, paying close attention to your joints. Dr. Weinheimer might then order blood tests, ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to diagnose your condition and determine how severe it is.

What are common arthritis treatments?

Common arthritis treatments include:

Lifestyle changes

To reduce arthritis-related symptoms, lose weight if you’re overweight, get regular exercise, and use hot or cold packs on the affected joints. Wear a brace if you need to.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy provides you with flexibility and strength exercises to improve your joints’ strength and range of motion while preventing future tissue damage.

Medications

Taking medicines can reduce unpleasant arthritis symptoms and lower your risk of injuries.

Surgical procedures

Surgery allows your provider to remove, repair, or replace joint tissues to restore your mobility, range of motion, and overall joint function.

Don’t live with arthritis discomfort when simple treatments can relieve your pain. Call the Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.