There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and they affect approximately 46 million adults in our country. We explain how effective treatment begins with a proper diagnosis.
Most of us think of arthritis as a common condition that stiffens joints and makes movement painful as we age. Many people don’t realize that this condition comes in more than 100 types, each one calling for a different treatment approach. A therapy that works for one type of arthritis may have little effect on the symptoms of another type.
To treat arthritis effectively, an accurate diagnosis is critical. Only when you know what’s causing your pain can you and your doctor take the appropriate steps to relieve uncomfortable symptoms.
- Osteoarthritis. This is one of the major types of arthritis, and is the result of wear and tear caused by joint overuse, obesity, or aging. Osteoarthritis in the hands is frequently inherited, and is common in middle-aged women.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. The other most common form of arthritis, this condition is an inflammatory type of arthritis that occurs when the body’s immune system is not working the way it should.
- Gout. Caused by urate crystals that collect in a joint, gout causes inflammation and intense pain.
- Psoriatic arthritis. Approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in and around the joints.
- Lupus. This chronic autoimmune condition can damage joints, as well as other parts of the body, by causing the body’s immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues.
- Septic arthritis. A painful joint infection caused when germs from a penetrating injury or another part of the body travel through the bloodstream to infect a joint—most commonly the hip and knee joints.
When you are experiencing joint pain, early consultation with your physician can pinpoint the problem, initiate appropriate treatment, and may prevent complications from developing.
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
