What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is chronic inflammation in the joints that leads to pain and reduced mobility. Everyone has the potential of developing arthritis in their lifetime. Often mistakenly believed to be a condition that affects the elderly, arthritis can also occur in children and young adults. Arthritis treatments vary depending on the cause, the patient, and the type of arthritis the individual experiences.

Types of Arthritis 

All arthritis patients have similarities in their experience but, the type of arthritis can vary and affect their treatment and prognosis. Natural Arthritis Remedies can help reduce the discomfort and slow the progression of most types of arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis experienced by Americans is osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis develops over the years through typical impact and use of the joints. Typically experienced by people aged 50 or over, it also occurs in younger patients. People under 50 who develop OA have often had an injury to the joint or were active in sports or physical labor. Some people place more strain on their joints by carrying excess weight.
  

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• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An example of arthritis that can affect people of any age is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This joint problem is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints. The condition often starts without warning and can worsen rapidly. Other symptoms may accompany joint pain. The health complaints can include malaise and fatigue.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: The cause of Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is unknown, but it can affect people of any age or gender. Most commonly, people first notice the symptoms between the ages of 30-50. Doctors believe heredity may play a role as it often runs in families. It also occurs in those with family members who have psoriasis. The condition could also begin after an infection.

• Gout: People once considered gout a rich man's disease. The reason for the designation was that it occurred when the body had a buildup of uric acid. Red meat and wine, as well as other rich foods, are high in uric acid. These foods were once only available to the wealthy. It was uncommon at the time for anyone less financially well-off to experience the problem. Today it affects people of all income levels. Gout is unique in that those who develop the condition can stay pain-free for weeks or months and only have discomfort when a flare-up arises. Gout pain during flares is often excruciating and considered the most painful of any arthritis condition. The pain usually begins in the joints of the big toe and spreads. Swelling, reduced mobility, fever, skin irritation, and even kidney stones can accompany gout flare-ups.
  

Common Symptoms

• Morning stiffness
  
• Joint pain
  
• Soft-tissue swelling
  
• Pain in hand joints
  
• Subcutaneous nodules
  
• Radiological changes suggestive of joint erosion

Contact Dr. Dana Cohen MD for Your Personalized Arthritis Treatment

Dr. Cohen believes that patients suffering from arthritis can find relief through integrative treatments. With Dr. Cohen’s evaluation and guidance, patients may be able to mitigate the symptoms of arthritis by adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, increasing their intake of fish oil, adding supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and adopting a gentle exercise routine that includes stretching, motion and heat.

Please contact Dr. Cohen today!