Although many people think of arthritis as a single disease, the reality is that there are over 100 different types of arthritis. In general, arthritis is characterized by joint pain and inflammation, but the causes, risk factors, and treatments can vary depending on what type of arthritis you have.
As a chronic pain specialist, Dr. Benjamin Taimoorazy knows that arthritis, no matter which type, leads to chronic pain. That’s why we offer a variety of arthritis treatments to help you find pain relief as well as a restored range of motion.
Below, we discuss the types of arthritis and what treatments we offer at Beverly Hills Migraine and Pain Management Institute in Beverly Hills and Northridge, California.
While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, four of the most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis, and it goes by many names: degenerative joint disease, “wear-and-tear arthritis”, or simply OA. Because it develops when your cartilage (which cushions your bones) gradually deteriorates, it can lead to bone-on-bone pain. It can also develop as a result of an acute or overuse injury. Common symptoms are swelling, stiffness, decreased range of motion, aching sensations, and pain.
Osteoarthritis most often develops in the knees, hips, neck, back, and ankle. Osteoarthritis can develop in just one joint.
While osteoarthritis is caused by wear-and-tear or injury to your cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by your body’s own immune system attacking your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease. You might suspect that your joint pain is related to rheumatoid arthritis if you notice pain in more than one joint, have a fever, or are frequently fatigued.
Gout is another type of arthritis, but this type occurs mainly in the big toe joint. It’s caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals that cause gout attacks. A gout attack can be so painful that even a blanket grazing your toe can cause intense pain.
This type of arthritis is characterized by a skin condition (psoriasis) that also accompanies the joint pain. Psoriasis causes patchy, raised areas on the skin. These patches are often red and scaly.
Before embarking on a treatment plan, it’s important to confirm that your joint pain is caused by arthritis, and if so, which type. Dr. Taimoorazy diagnoses arthritis after reviewing your medical history, performing a physical examination, and reviewing diagnosing tests such as X-rays and blood tests.
Each arthritis treatment plan is tailored based on the severity of your symptoms and the type of arthritis you have. Potential treatments include:
In addition to these treatments, our team provides lifestyle modifications that can help ease your symptoms at home. This includes guidance on exercise and nutrition. Nutrition is especially important if you have gout, as certain foods (high in purines) can trigger gout attacks.
If you have joint pain, call us today at 424-302-0289 and start exploring your arthritis treatment options. Or, simply request an appointment online.
