Arthritis & Joint Pain

Pain in one or more joints in the body can be caused by arthritis or by an accident which leads to injury of a joint or by simple stress caused by overworking the joint. While osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the more common forms of this disease, there are over 100 types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is associated with aging and is a degenerative condition that can be treated with anti inflammatory medication, changes in diet and exercise and physical therapy. This type of arthritis typically affects one or two joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory condition that affects many joints at the same time. It is caused by the immune system attacking the joints causing inflammation and pain. RA can be effectively treated when detected early. Medication to reduce the inflammation and to regulate the immune system prevents joint damage.

As in any complex condition such as arthritis and joint pain, early diagnosis is critical to treatment success.