Swollen, stiff, achy joints could indicate you have arthritis. At San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine, with three locations in San Antonio, Texas, the experienced primary care physicians offer an array of treatments for arthritis to restore joint health and reduce any discomfort. Call the office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
Arthritis is a common chronic disease that affects your joints. When left untreated, arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and other debilitating symptoms.
There are over 100 types of arthritis and similar conditions. Osteoarthritis causes your joint cartilage to break down, while rheumatoid arthritis causes your body’s immune system to attack the lining of your joints. Gout is a type of arthritis that develops when excess uric acid builds up in your bloodstream.
See the San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine experts at the first sign of a problem.
If you have arthritis, you may develop some of the following symptoms:
When left untreated, arthritis can diminish your ability to complete simple daily tasks, stay active, and live your best life.
Anyone can develop arthritis, but common risk factors include:
Gout is more common among men, while women have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
To find out if you have arthritis and determine its type and severity, an expert at San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine reviews your symptoms, discusses your medical history, and examines your joints during a physical exam.
They may order blood tests, urine tests, or joint fluid tests, as well as X-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound, a CT scan, or another imaging procedure.
Common arthritis treatments include:
Maintaining a healthy body weight, eating nutritious foods, and getting regular exercise are things you can do at home to minimize arthritis pain and improve joint health.
Physical therapy is a holistic treatment for arthritis pain. It also enhances musculoskeletal functioning in arthritic joints.
Taking medications can reduce inflammation, joint pain, and the risk of arthritis disease progression.
Steroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other types of injections can improve the health of your joints and reduce inflammation and pain.
In severe cases of arthritis, surgery might be the best way to fully restore the function and structure of your joints.
To get relief from arthritis discomfort, call the San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine office or use the online booking feature today.