When Should I See My Doctor
Joints get sore and swollen for many reasons. It could be due to an injury, overuse, or doing a new type of physical activity.
See your doctor if you have pain and stiffness that starts with no clear reason, lasts for more than a few days, and also causes swelling, redness and warmth. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from getting worse and causing long-term damage.
See A Physical Or Occupational Therapist
Your doctor may refer you to a physical or occupational therapist to help maintain hand function and dexterity and strengthen joints, say experts. Depending on your needs, a therapist may give you exercises to improve range of motion and function in your hand and wrist, recommend the use of splints or braces to help support joints and ease stress, and suggest new ways to do everyday tasks that may help relieve pain and protect your joints.
Here are some arthritis-friendly hand exercises you can do regularly.
Is Sciatica Caused By Osteoarthritis
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Does arthritis cause sciatica? sciatica has a chance of occurring in some cases due to arthritis. Osteoarthritis, for example, is characterized by the degeneration of cartilage in the area of the spine where the arthritis is located. As a result, the sciatic nerve may become irritated.
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body, as it is the origin of the lower spineâs lumbar nerve roots. Neck pain, tingling, and other symptoms can be caused by osteoarthritis of the spine in a variety of ways, including narrowing , pressing on the nerve roots, and causing sciatica. We tend to get sjogrenâs syndrome around the age of 50, so osteoporosis is more common in this age group. It can happen at any age, which is why it is referred to as spinal spallylolisthesis. One vertebra may slip over the other and cause the nerve roots to become irritated if there is disc herniation. This muscle is the buttock muscle that lies under the sciatic nerve. The possibility exists that sciatica, also known as lower back pain, is caused by injuries or tumors along the spinal cord and its vicinity.
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Other Conditions That Can Cause Hand Pain Include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis can raise your risk of this condition, but many other factors can contribute as well, including anatomy of your wrist, nerve-damaging diseases and possibly repetitive hand motions. Its tricky because you could have carpal tunnel syndrome that is related to RA or not at all related to RA.
Orthopedic Knee Surgery In Macomb County Mi
Fortunately, the days of suffering with knee pain associated with arthritis are over. Movement Orthopedics treats knee arthritis with state-of-the art surgical and nonsurgical methods, and our orthopedic team can help you get back to an enjoyable lifestyle again.
If you have any questions about our practice, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled orthopedic surgeons, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at 436-3785 or by filling out our easy-to-use online appointment request form now. We look forward to being your partner in total health and wellness!
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Can I Still Drive If I Have Arthritis
If your arthritis affects your ability to drive, you must let the DVLA know. This doesnt mean that you will have to stop driving, but it’s a legal obligation for you to declare certain conditions to the DVLA.
Youll also have to let your insurance company know, but they arent allowed to charge you any more because of your condition. If you have an accident you haven’t declared a health condition, your insurance might not cover you.
Our information guide In the Driving Seat has more information about driving with health conditions and making adaptations to your car.
Can I Get Help At Home If I Have Arthritis
If you need help at home with tasks such as washing, getting dressed and going to the toilet, the first step to do is contact your local council. They will work out what sort of support you need and how much you can afford to pay. Find out more about arranging help at home.
Most local councils dont provide support if you just need a helping hand with your housework, gardening or shopping. Contact a local voluntary organisation such as your local Age UK or the Royal Voluntary Service to see whether they may be able to provide services for you.
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General Signs And Symptoms Of Arthritis
Symptoms as related to direct causes vary. The type of arthritis is directly related to the pattern and location of arthritic symptoms.
The general signs and symptoms associated with all variations of arthritis include:
- Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
- Joint tenderness and inflammation
- Redness of the skin surround affected joints
- Loss of hand grip or grip strength
These symptoms may be at the worst first thing in the morning. Symptoms may develop suddenly or over a period of time . Symptoms can also occur in flares and as damage worsens, may begin to persist for longer periods.
Pain in the joints can fluctuate in varying degrees or be constant. It may be isolated to one specific area of the body or in multiple parts, depending on the number of affected joints. Stiffness is more often a problem first thing in the morning once awake, but can also be problematic after sitting for long periods of time, and even after exercise.
As some types of arthritis are closely associated with other types of conditions, a range of related symptoms over and above those which affect the joints can be experienced as well. Types of symptoms in this regard include fatigue, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, general malaise, as well as a range of others showing problems with the heart, lungs and kidneys.
Other Causes Of Hand And Finger Symptoms
RA hand symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Some members of myRAteam discovered their hand pain was actually related to secondary Raynauds disease, a vascular condition that affects 10 percent to 20 percent of people with RA. Psoriatic arthritis, another autoimmune disease, can also cause hand and finger dysfunction as can pinched nerves in the neck.
A rheumatologist can diagnose the specific cause of symptoms in the hand with a physical exam and X-rays. X-rays can detect narrowing of joint space or erosions of the bone that could signal RA. Ultrasound and MRI technology has improved the ability to spot joint damage earlier in the course of the disease.
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Cardiac Arrests Can Have Long
Without urgent medical attention, someone having a cardiac arrest will die, so it’s important to call the emergency services immediately and perform CPR to keep blood and oxygen circulating, then use a defibrillator to try and get the heart beating again, the BHF said.
After a cardiac arrest, a person will be treated in an intensive or coronary care unit, and they may be put in an induced coma, the BHF said.
To reduce the risk of suffering another cardiac arrest, a person may be given a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and be told to make lifestyle changes such as to their diet
It’s normal not to remember having a cardiac arrest, and there can be long-term impact on the brain including speech and memory problems, dizziness, and fatigue, the BHF said.
Types Of Arthritis Pain
- Acute Arthritis Pain
Acute arthritis pain is what you experience when you cut or wound yourself. This type of pain is generally temporary and shouldnt last more than a few days to a few weeks.
Various types of arthritis can cause acute pain. For example, when you hold yourself in the same position for an extended period, and you start to feel some of your joints aching, thats acute arthritis pain. This type of pain goes away eventually and shouldnt last longer than a few weeks. If it does, consult a doctor right away.
- Chronic Arthritis Pain
Chronic arthritis pain is generally longer lasting and recurrent. This has been described as torture to many of the people who suffer from it. This type of pain can last days, weeks, months, and even years. In rare cases, this type of pain can even last for a lifetime. Chronic pain has been described as the worst side effect of arthritis and can disable a person permanently.
Every person can handle various amounts of pain differently. This makes it particularly difficult to describe the exact amount of pain one with arthritis may feel. Some people cant take the pain and will stop all activity if they feel even a little discomfort, and some may continue to work and walk while enduring harsh pain.
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Pain That Originates In The Front Of The Hip
Hip pain that occurs in the front of the hip and groin area is usually caused by conditions that affect the hip joint.1Wilson JJ, Furukawa M. Evaluation of the patient with hip pain. Am Fam Physician. 2014 89:27-34. A few examples are discussed below.
Hip osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear of the hip joint, called hip osteoarthritis, commonly causes deep aching pain in the hip and groin region.1Wilson JJ, Furukawa M. Evaluation of the patient with hip pain. Am Fam Physician. 2014 89:27-34.,2Lam S, Amies V. Hip arthritis presenting as knee pain. BMJ Case Rep. 2015 2015:bcr2014208625. Published 2015 Feb 19. doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-208625 The pain may spread to the front of the thigh and knee, sometimes including areas below the knee.2Lam S, Amies V. Hip arthritis presenting as knee pain. BMJ Case Rep. 2015 2015:bcr2014208625. Published 2015 Feb 19. doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-208625 The pain is usually worse in the morning, after prolonged sitting or resting, and/or physical activity. A locking, sticking, or grinding sound may occur during hip movements.3Lespasio MJ, Sultan AA, Piuzzi NS, et al. Hip Osteoarthritis: A Primer. Perm J. 2018 22:17084. Published 2018 Jan 3. doi:10.7812/TPP/17-084
See Hip Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Hip labral tear
When the labrum or the cartilaginous ring around the hip socket tears, the symptoms can be variable. Most often, labral tears cause pain in the groin. Pain can also occur along the side of the hip or buttocks.
Hip impingement
Iliopsoas bursitis
Why Do Joints Make Popping And Cracking Noises
Joints can make different noises–some are serious and some are not.
Some people learn how to “pop their knuckles.” By pushing or pulling a joint in a certain way an air bubble can suddenly appear in the joint with a “pop.” Once the bubble is there the joint cannot be popped again until the air has been reabsorbed.
Some joints crack as the ligaments and tendons that pass over them slide past bumps on the bones. Individuals who “crack their neck” make noise in this way.
Other joints lock up intermittently–often with a loud pop–because something gets caught in between the joint surfaces. A torn cartilage in the knee or a loose piece of bone or cartilage in the joint can do this. Once a joint is stuck in this way, it may need to be wiggled around to unlock it. This may also cause a pop.
Finally joints that are arthritic may crack and grind. These noises usually occur each time the joint is moved. This noise is due to the roughness of the joint surface due to loss of the smooth cartilage.
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What Are The Four Stages Of Osteoarthritis In The Knees
People who have immense osteoarthritispain may only show mild changes on X-ray, so it is important to concentrate on the symptoms rather than just the X-ray. Below are the stages of osteoarthritis of the knee with appropriate treatment plans.
Stage 0 or Normal:
- When the knee shows no signs of osteoarthritis, it is classified as stage 0.
- There is no treatment required for stage 0 osteoarthritis.
Stage 1 or Minor:
- In this stage, patients may develop very minor wear and tear and bone spur growths at the end of the knee joints.
- Usually, patients may not feel pain or any discomfort.
- This stage is usually diagnosed as an incidental finding or during a regular health checkup.
- Physicians may not recommend any special treatment for stage 1. However, supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin may be recommended. Lifestyle considerations such as regular exercise and weight loss may also prove to be helpful.
Stage 2 or Mild:
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How Sciatica Is Treated
At-home treatment for sciatica consists of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, icing and/or applying heat to the afflicted area, and some patience. For many people, that is enough to help them heal within a few weeks.
If your pain is bad enough that youve sought professional help, however, you likely need extra help. Treatment options for sciatica include:
Physical therapy
This is the most common and generally most effective treatment for sciatica, says Dr. Huffstutter. The main goal is to take pressure off the sciatic nerve by strengthening and stretching the surrounding muscles. Physical therapy can be invaluable its really hard to learn how to do the right exercise without it, he says.
Epidural steroid injections
Physical therapy is very helpful, but sometimes the pain is too severe, and the patient feels they cant do it, says Dr. Barsoum. In that case, the first step might be to inject inflammation-reducing medication directly into the epidural space that surrounds the nerves in the spine.
Oral medication
Your doctor might suggest using anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or even a narcotic medication if the pain is very severe. These drugs can make you feel a lot better and give your body a chance to heal.
Surgery
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My Knee Feels Slightly Warmer
The feeling of warmth in the knee is a common presentation as there is usually inflammation of the knee joint in osteoarthritis. This may also be accompanied with slight redness on the skins surface. The best way to assess for warmth is to use the back of your hand to feel over the affected area and make a comparison with the other side. If substantial amount of warmth is felt, icing of the affected joint for 10 to 15 minutes can help with sooth any existing pain.
Degenerative Or Mechanical Arthritis
Degenerative or mechanical arthritis refers to a group of conditions that mainly involve damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones.
The main job of the smooth, slippery cartilage is to help the joints glide and move smoothly. This type of arthritis causes the cartilage to become thinner and rougher.
To compensate for the loss of cartilage and changes in joint function, the body begins to remodel the bone in an attempt to restore stability. This can cause undesirable bony growths to develop, called osteophytes. The joint can become misshapen. This condition is commonly called osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis can also result from previous damage to the joint such as a fracture or previous inflammation in the joint.
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How Rheumatoid Arthritis May Affect Your Mouth
Research shows that people who have rheumatoid arthritis may be more likely to develop periodontal disease, which usually starts with a gum infection.
They are also more likely to have dry mouth, which can predispose them to tooth decay.
The flip side of this may be true too: Poor oral health may lead to the onset or worsening of RA. Experts believe that inflammation in the mouth may stimulate the immune system, and in a people predisposed to RA the inflammation may trigger the body to start making antibodies associated with the disease.
Researchers have been working to better understand the mechanism behind this, but the takeaway is that treating gum disease and preventing unnecessary gum infections is good for your RA, as well. Schedule frequent dental checkups to catch minor issues before they become major problems.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Hurt Your Heart
Higher levels of inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of heart disease, especially heart attacks and strokes, Greer says.
These heart conditions can also be more fatal. In people with systemic inflammatory diseases like RA, heart attacks in those under 50 are twice as likely to be fatal as for people without an inflammatory condition, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology in March 2021.
To lower your risk, youll want to get your RA under control and also reduce heart risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet will lower your risk of heart disease.
Another way to both assist your heart and improve your RA: Dont smoke and if you do smoke, quit as soon as possible in addition, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
Finally, know that certain RA medications themselves have been linked to heart problems these side effects are rare, and are not a reason to skip drug treatment. The negative effects of not treating RA with medication are much, much worse than the side effects of RA drugs, cautions Greer.
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Stick To Your Prescribed Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Plan
Medication that helps reduce out-of-control inflammation in the body is a cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long youve had rheumatoid arthritis, your rheumatologist may prescribe a combination of medications. One of the major goals of treatment of RA is to prevent this structural damage that can result in loss of dexterity and strength in the hands, says Dr. Lally.
Commonly prescribed medications include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
These medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen or prescription versions, are used for mild joint pain and reduce inflammation but dont prevent disease progression.
Glucocorticoids
These medications, such as prednisone, help reduce inflammation quickly and tend to be prescribed during flares. They used sparingly and carefully in people with RA because they can have a wide range of side effects.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
These medications address the underlying systemic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. They are critical for slowing and stopping the course of inflammatory disease. They fall into three general categories.
The treatments that we have for RA both the conventional DMARDs such as methotrexate and the biologics and JAK inhibitors can help improve joint pain, swelling, and stiffness while preventing the development of long-term damage, adds Dr. Lally.