Arthritis Doctor Columbia, MD
Arthritis can be debilitating to live with, and you may benefit from visiting with an arthritis doctor Columbia, MD relies on from Patapsco Integrative Medicine & Rehab to explore your treatment options. Depending on your situation and the severity of your arthritis you may have multiple treatment options to consider and review with your doctor. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a consultation to begin your healing journey, ask questions, and learn more about our arthritis treatments.
Arthritis: FAQs
If you have been told that you could benefit from meeting with an experienced Columbia, MD arthritis doctor and your arthritis diagnosis is new, it can be helpful to review broad answers to the most commonly asked questions of the Patapsco Integrative Medicine & Rehab team in re: arthritis itself.
We are always happy to hear a patient voice these questions, as it is difficult to properly tackle the challenges of prevention, treatment, and long-term effective management of arthritis when patients have not yet learned a great deal about their condition.
Once you’ve reviewed these broad answers, know that our Columbia arthritis doctor team will be more than happy to elaborate on any of them as they pertain to your unique circumstances. Simply bring your questions to your appointment or give us a call and we’ll provide you with objective, professional guidance that will better allow you to make informed decisions about your care.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis manifests as joint inflammation. This inflammation may result in stiffness, compromise of a patient’s range of motion, discomfort, and/or pain. There are different kinds of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (cartilage deterioration) and rheumatoid arthritis (immune system compromise of joint integrity) are the most common.
What causes arthritis?
Different kinds of arthritis are caused by different influences. For example, osteoarthritis is common in older individuals who are either athletes or used to be athletes because cartilage deterioration often results from “wear and tear” on the body. By contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is common in autoimmune patients, as inflammation present in the body generally can – and very often does – affect the joints.
Can arthritis be cured?
Arthritis is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. However, various treatment options can help patients to effectively manage their symptoms, preserve function, and minimize both pain and inflammation. What is important to remember though, is that even if your condition is so well managed that you become asymptomatic, your arthritis will not be cured. Meaning, you’ll need to take proactive approaches to better ensure that your condition doesn’t flare up again and cause symptoms that impact your quality of life.
How can I better manage my arthritis?
Each patient’s arthritis journey is unique. It is, therefore, to avoid healthcare providers who act as if all arthritis cases manifest in exactly the same ways. If you choose to entrust your care to Patapsco Integrative Medicine & Rehab, we will carefully evaluate your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and a host of other factors before crafting a personalized treatment plan tailored uniquely for you.
Depending on the underlying cause(s) of your arthritis, we may recommend physical therapy, nutrition changes, supplements and/or medications, etc. Know that we will do our utmost to dramatically improve your quality of life because you deserve nothing less from our Columbia arthritis doctor team.
How should I prepare for arthritis treatment?
Before attending your first visit, take time to write down your questions and concerns. We want to give you all the information you’ll need to make informed choices about your care. Also, take time to write down any observations about your condition that you think might help us to better understand exactly what you’re experiencing. When it comes to natural medicine, knowledge is power.
Common Arthritis Treatments
There are multiple treatments for arthritis that can be combined in various ways by your Columbia arthritis doctor to create a unique treatment plan specifically for you. Reviewing treatment plans with your doctor will allow you to be a part of creating a treatment plan that will work for you and make you a part of the decision making process.
- Nutrition
Your nutrition can play an important role in your overall health and wellbeing, as well as your healing treatment from arthritis. There may be certain foods and diets that your doctor will recommend you either add or remove from your diet in order to reduce inflammation, promote health, increase hydration, and more. There can be many health benefits from following a specific diet, and your doctor will discuss this with you as part of your treatment plan.
- Therapy
There are multiple therapies that can be helpful for treating arthritis, such as physical therapy for increasing joint mobility and muscle strength. Depending on the location and severity of your arthritis there are therapeutic exercises that can be included in your treatment plan to help you move with less pain and restore your quality of life. - Medication
Depending on your particular arthritis situation, medication may be an option to consider as part of your treatment to reduce pain and help with your healing. Your doctor can explain the various medications that could be a good fit for you to combine with your other treatments.
- Procedures
For some patients medical procedures may be necessary to treat their arthritis, and this would be thoroughly discussed with the arthritis doctor. Some find the idea of a procedure overwhelming or daunting, but your doctor will ensure that you feel comfortable with the procedure and understand the benefits of going through the procedure.
Common Arthritis Treatments Infographic
Arthritis Prevention
As an arthritis doctor Columbia, MD families trust from Patapsco Integrative Medicine & Rehab explains, there are more than a hundred kinds of arthritis. The main types include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Each of these types develop in different ways, but all can result in pain, loss of joint function, and joint deformity. Arthritis cannot always be prevented, as family history, age, and sometimes gender can be contributing factors that are not in someone’s control. But there are a few habits that a person can implement into their lives to help reduce the chances of developing joint pain as they get older. These practices can also ward against other diseases too.
Stair climbing, heavy lifting, and squatting can be particularly tough on joints. In fact, studies have shown that those who regularly have to lift heavy items and squat, climb stairs, or kneel are several times more likely to have knee osteoarthritis compared to those who don’t have to perform such maneuvers. Other risk factors for osteoarthritis entail being exposed to constant vibrations and standing for long periods of time. Examples of jobs that people are more likely to eventually have joint problems are floor layers, metal workers, cleaners, farmers, and builders.
Trying to kick your smoking habit can feel impossible at times. But if it helps to know, quitting smoking doesn’t just lower the risk of lung and heart disease, it protects against arthritis from developing too. Researchers have found that smokers are more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis compared to non-smokers. This may be due to the way RA affects the immune system, since it is an inflammatory disease, and smoking increases inflammation in the body. Furthermore, those who smoke may not experience the same benefits when taking arthritis medications. Smoking can prevent the properties that treat psoriatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis from working properly.
Omega-3 fatty acids provide the body with a number of benefits, such as reducing inflammation. Research shows that omega-3s decrease rheumatoid activeness in the joints. It is recommended that we eat 3.5 ounce servings of omega-3 rich fish twice a week (trout, salmon, sardines, mackerel). Wild caught fish is preferred over farmed fish. Vegetarians or vegans can get their source of omega-3s from plant oils, nuts and seeds, fortified eggs, soy beverages, and fortified juices. Supplements for omega-3s are available in various doses and are often derived from algae oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, or krill oil. But as a Columbia arthritis doctor may suggest, before making any changes to your diet, consider speaking with your treating physician.
The topic of weight can be a sensitive one for many, since most of us have insecurities about the number we see on the scale. But the knees have to support our body weight, so the more weight we have, the harder our knees have to work. Those with a higher body weight are more likely to have knee osteoarthritis compared to those with a moderate weight. Obesity is linked to psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. As your Columbia arthritis doctor may offer, even simple adjustments to your daily routine and diet and exercise can bring your weight down in a healthy way. Exercise helps reduce the stress of extra weight off the joints, and strengthens joint muscles, which stabilizes them and protects against wear and tear.
Call an Arthritis Doctor Today
There is no reason to wait to seek medical advice and treatment from a Columbia arthritis doctor. Receiving an evaluation from one of our doctors will be your first step in moving forward with a treatment plan. Even if you have not been officially diagnosed with arthritis you can visit with one of our doctors from Patapsco Integrative Medicine & Rehab to be evaluated and get a diagnosis. Once you’ve met with a doctor you will be able to begin a treatment plan and improve your quality of life. You don’t have to continue living in pain. Call us today to schedule a consultation and begin considering your options and next steps.
Knee Arthritis
Ask anyone who is suffering from chronic knee pain caused by arthritis and they will likely attest to how much this pain can interfere with everyday life. The following are some of the more common symptoms that a Columbia, MD arthritis doctor can help with.
Knee Pain
Pain from arthritis can interfere with a person’s daily living. The pain often intensifies when a person tries to straighten or bend their knee or engage in activities where there is a lot of weight put on the knee. For example, a person doing a lot of going up and down stairs could aggravate the arthritis and trigger pain. The knee is often sore to the touch, as well. Many people describe the pain from knee arthritis as being similar to a toothache.
Stiffness in Knee
Many people with arthritis in the knee also deal with a lot of stiffness. This also limits how much they can bend and straighten out their knee. This stiffness shows up first thing in the morning when they get up or if they have been inactive for a long period of time, i.e. sitting at the movies. Once the person gets up and moves around, the stiffness usually wears off.
Swelling of Knee
Swelling of the knee is also another issue that people with arthritis complain of. This swelling tends to come and go, but it does cause restricted movement and more pain. Ice can help alleviate the swelling.
Knee Instability and Weakness
Along with pain and stiffness, arthritis of the knee can also cause the area around the knee to become unstable and weak. This can cause the knee to just suddenly give out with no warning. A Columbia arthritis doctor will usually recommend exercises that will strengthen the area to help with this issue.
Other Symptoms
There are several other symptoms that some of our patients have to deal with. These symptoms fluctuate, where some days the patient feels fine and other days they are suffering from excruciating pain:
- Feelings of anxiety, stress, and fatigue can trigger the release of chemicals that make the body feel pain more intensely.
- When a person does not feel well, inflammatory chemicals are released by the body, which causes an increase in pain.
- Bad weather can also have an effect on knee arthritis pain. This is because bad weather can cause a change in air pressure which can have an effect on the pressure in joints.
Diagnosing Knee Arthritis
In order to properly diagnose your condition, an arthritis doctor will look at the history of how the issues with your knee progressed, where the pain emanates from and if there are any activities that worsen the pain. The doctor will also examine the way your knee is shaped, how strong it is, and what type of movements you are able to do. If the doctor suspects you have knee arthritis, they will arrange for an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
Are You Suffering from Arthritis?
If you are suffering from knee pain, take the steps to alleviate that pain and improve your overall quality of life again. A Columbia arthritis doctor may be able to provide relief without using invasive treatments. Call Patapsco Integrative Medicine & Rehab to schedule a consultation and find out what type of treatments may be available for you.