Arthritis

More than one-third of people in the United States may have arthritis, a leading cause of disability in the country. At Rheumatology East, with locations in Germantown and Jackson, Tennessee, board-certified rheumatologist Bradley Postlethwaite, MD, treats all forms of arthritis to ease joint discomfort and reduce your risk of crippling complications. Schedule an arthritis evaluation with Dr. Postlethwaite by phone or request one online today.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition affecting your joints, characterized by stiffness and pain. More than 100 types of arthritis exist, some of which can become debilitating when left untreated. See Dr. Postlethwaite at the first sign of joint discomfort or other painful symptoms to reduce the risk of disease progression — including severe joint damage. 

Which symptoms can arthritis cause?

Arthritis can cause the following symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Swelling
• Decreased range of motion
• Tenderness
• Skin discoloration
• Heat or warmth around the joints

The symptoms experienced are based on the type and severity of your arthritis. Some forms  cause symptom flare-ups that come and go, while others lead to ongoing joint discomfort.

What are the common types of arthritis?

Examples of the different forms of arthritis include:

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis, or axial spondyloarthritis, is an autoimmune disease that affects joints within your spine — often causing inflammation and lower back pain. It can also affect joints in your hips, shoulders, knees, and other areas. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It’s caused by wear and tear to the affected joint’s cartilage, the coating on the ends of bones, causing joint swelling or inflammation. 

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis affects people with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition characterized by scaly, thick, and itchy skin and discomfort. About one in three people with psoriasis develop arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that appears when your body’s immune system mistakenly damages its joints by attacking the joint capsule lining. This leads to swelling, inflammation, and joint disfigurement when left untreated.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the big toe. It’s caused by uric acid buildup in the blood and sharp uric acid crystals forming as a result.

Juvenile arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops in children and teenagers younger than 16 years old. 

What increases the risk of arthritis?

Arthritis risk factors include:

• Aging 
• Family history of arthritis
• Previous joint injuries
• Obesity
• Tobacco use
• Being sedentary
• Autoimmune diseases
• Physically demanding jobs
• Athletes playing contact sports

Men are more likely to have gout, while women have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. 

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosing arthritis involves a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, as well as a physical exam and diagnostic testing. You might need blood or urine testing, joint fluid tests, X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, an ultrasound, or another imaging procedure. 

How is arthritis treated?

While there’s no cure for arthritis, treatment may involve:

• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription medicines
• Cortisone shots
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Surgery

If you need surgery, Rheumatology East provides referrals.

Schedule an arthritis evaluation at Rheumatology East by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.