Arthritis

Arthritis eventually slows your mobility and limits the range of motion in your joints. At Sporting Medicine in Charlotte, North Carolina, sports medicine specialist William Graham, MD, uses evidence-based arthritis treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, hyaluronic acid injections, and physical therapy, to relieve pain and restore joint function. Call Sporting Medicine today or schedule an appointment online to learn more. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes the joints, where two bones meet, to swell. As the joints inflame and break down, you can experience chronic pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that tends to worsen with age. Early intervention can help protect your joint health and prevent complications from arthritis.

Are there different types of arthritis?

There are several different types of arthritis, but the most common are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis causes the flexible cartilage that covers the joint to deteriorate. As the cartilage breaks down, the joint begins to rub against the surrounding joints. This friction can lead to inflammation, limited range of motion, and low mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, causes the synovial lining inside the joint to swell. An autoimmune disease, RA tends to worsen with age and can affect nearly any joint in your body.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis develops in many people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red, inflamed patches of skin. Over time, psoriatic arthritis can cause stiff, swollen joints.

Gout

Gout is arthritis that develops when uric acid crystals collect in a joint. While gout can affect any joint, it commonly occurs in the base of the big toe or knee.

What are the signs of arthritis?

Common signs of arthritis include:

• Red, swollen joints
• Skin that feels hot and tender
• Limited range of motion
• Poor mobility
• Pain that feels worse when you wake up
• Stiff joints
• Visible bumps or growths on the joint

Without treatment, arthritis can progress, permanently damaging your joints. Physical therapy can help prevent arthritis from advancing.

What causes arthritis?

While RA is an autoimmune disease, osteoarthritis — the most common type — develops when the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones starts to break down. Many factors can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:

• Being a woman
• Being older
• Carrying extra weight
• Repetitive stress on the joints
• Having bone deformities

If you have a close relative with arthritis, you may also be at risk of developing the condition.

What are the treatments for arthritis?

Dr. Graham offers several treatments for arthritis, including:

• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Cell injections

Call Sporting Medicine today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about arthritis.