Pregnancy May Give You A Reprieve
RA is primarily diagnosed in women during their childbearing years, so its natural to have many questions and concerns about how the disease will affect your fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum health.
The good news is that for many patients with inflammatory arthritis, pregnancy temporarily suppresses the immune system. This causes an overall decrease in inflammation throughout the body, giving many patients a nine-month window of some relief. On the other hand, some women may still experience flares during pregnancy, so its important to work together with both your ob-gyn and rheumatologist closely to manage all your arthritis and pregnancy symptoms.
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How Arthritis In The Hands Is Treated
If youre diagnosed with an inflammatory form of arthritis, you have more treatment options than someone with OA. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage the pain of both types of arthritis, the development of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics has vastly improved the prognosis of those with inflammatory forms of arthritis by reducing inflammation and preventing further joint damage.
Cortisone injections can be useful for those with OA and conditions such as RA, though theyre usually used in patients whose inflammatory arthritis is limited to just one or two joints, Dr. Byram says. Injections of hyaluronic acid can be helpful for those with OA , but these are better for managing pain in larger joints like the knees rather than the hands.
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The End Of Gout Your Ultimate Beginners Plan
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What Conditions Does A Rheumatologist Treat
Rheumatologists can treat more than 100 rheumatic diseases. Some of the more common ones are:
- Reactive arthritis
Although many doctors who practice rheumatology are trained to treat different symptoms, some focus on specific subsets. For example, pediatric rheumatologists are trained to treat children under 18 years old because their bodies are quite different from those of adults.
Other Tips For Picking The Right Rheumatologist
What I would suggest for anyone who is getting ready to see a new doctor is to sit down before you go and write down on a piece of paper why you are going and what you are hoping to accomplish with your visit, says Martin. And write down a list of everything thats going on with you. If you have everything written down when they come into the room, I think the doctors themselves will sit down and be a little bit more patient. It pays to be organized and know what it is you want to talk to your doctor about.
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Why Do People With Arthritis Have Joint Surgery
Most types of surgery for arthritis are performed to:
- relieve severe pain that has not responded to other treatments
- improve movement and use of a joint, for example improve flexibility of your hip to allow you to walk and sit more comfortably
- improve alignment of joints, for example straighten finger joints to allow you to grip and hold objects.
This can help make daily activities easier and improve your quality of life.
All surgery has risks. Make sure you understand the possible risks, their likelihood and their consequences before you decide to have surgery.
Points To Remember About Arthritis
- Arthritis means joint inflammation. Although joint inflammation is a symptom or sign rather than a specific diagnosis, the term arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints.
- There are many types of arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, gout, juvenile arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Medications and surgery can treat arthritis.
- Activities that can help reduce symptoms at home include exercise hot and cold therapies relaxation therapies splints and braces and assistive devices.
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Rheumatologists Treat More Than 120 Different Diseases
Dont let the rheum in the name fool you. Besides rheumatoid arthritis , these doctors treat a wide variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that may affect the joints , as well as other muscle or bone problems or injuries that can make your joints hurt and limit your function.
In addition to the systemic diseases, people may come to see a rheumatologist to diagnose chronic back or neck pain or for a localized joint or muscle or tendon problem such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis, says Paula Marchetta, MD, MBA, president of the American College of Rheumatology. They also treat other conditions that you might be unaware of, such as osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease.
Isometric Exercises For Better Arthritis Health
Isometric exercises are strength-training workouts in which the muscles contract, but the body doesnt move. Isometrics involves tensing a muscle, then relaxing it. This type of training is especially useful if the usual weight lifting causes your joints to hurt.
Some advantages of isometrics include:
- No need for additional equipment
- The body is activating nearly all of its available motor units
- Increased strength
- Improved flexibility
Isometric exercises are beneficial because they can help you stay strong and healthy. While these exercises are less likely to hurt your joints than traditional weight training, if they do make your joints hurt, ask a trainer to show you another type of isometric exercise.
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Arthritis Doctors In Reno Nv
If youre in need of treatment in Reno, Nevada, or the surrounding area, turn to the trusted arthritis doctors at Tahoe Fracture & Orthopedic Medical Clinic. The skilled orthopedists on our team have experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, and they can help put you on the path toward relief. Contact us today or make an appointment using our online scheduling tool.
Whether youre a new or returning patient, you can request an appointment by completing our simple online form. Well get back to you within 48 hours.
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What Type Of Doctor Specializes In Hands
Related
Hands are among the most delicate structures in the human body, filled with a complex network of fine bones, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. Its exceptionally difficult to lead a normal life when your hands cant function due to deformity, injury or debilitating illness. These medical conditions are treated by two kinds of doctors: orthopedic surgeons and plastic surgeons.
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How Does A Doctor Diagnose Arthritis
There are three different types of tests used to diagnose arthritis inpatients. Based on the symptoms the diagnose differs.
What To Expect At A First Visit
A routine appointment with a rheumatologist varies depending on the condition or complaint they are helping to treat. A standard appointment may include a rheumatologist:
- reviewing a persons medical and family histories as well as the results of any previous testing or laboratory work
- performing a physical exam to look for any signs of systemic inflammation
- evaluating posture, movement, and flexibility
- examining any specific joints, muscles, or bones that feel swollen, stiff, or painful
- ordering blood work or other laboratory tests, such as an X-ray or MRI scan, to provide clinical diagnosis
- making treatment recommendations, or waiting to review the lab work before recommending medications or physical therapy
- providing a clinical outlook, plans of care, and short- and long-term goals
- recommending self-management tips and home exercises
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Hand Surgeon In San Antonio Texas
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our hand surgery team diagnoses and treats a broad range of hand injuries and conditions, including arthritis.
Our extensive education and training enable us to treat the most complex hand issues. For any type of hand or wrist pain and injury, call the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at 692-7400 or request an appointment now. We are happy to provide you the highest quality care for your hand condition.
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Which Type Of Doctor Should I See For My Rheumatoid Arthritis
Most people with RA are treated by either an internist or a rheumatologist. Who you choose to be your treating physician depends on many factors:
Most people with RA are treated by either an internist or a rheumatologist.
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The doctors training and experience
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His or her board certification
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The proximity of the physicians office to your home
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Whether the physician participates in your insurance plan
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The doctors reputation in the community
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Your ability to build a trusting relationship with the physician
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The doctors ability to speak your native language or understand your culture and customs
While many of these issues do not necessarily bear directly on a doctors knowledge or clinical abilities, patients often choose a doctor based on what is most important to them. The issue of which type of doctor a patient with RA should see for treatment has been examined in the medical literature, and differences in care and in the outcomes of patients have been noted.
Tumor necrosis factor
A protein that plays an early and major role in the rheumatic disease process.
The more intensive level of care rendered by rheumatologists may result in improved symptoms and fewer visits to the hospital for patients with RA. Not surprisingly, however, this more intensive management leads to significantly higher costs than the costs for patients who are treated by internists.
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How Is Osteoarthritis Of The Spine Diagnosed
The best way to confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis is by X-ray. The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam to see if the person has pain, tenderness, loss of motion involving the neck or lower back, or if symptoms are suggestive, signs of nerve involvement such as weakness, reflex changes, or loss of sensation.
The doctor may order certain tests to aid in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the spine. These tests include:
- X-rays to look for bone damage, bone spurs, and loss of cartilage or disc however, X-rays are not able to show early damage to cartilage.
- Blood tests to exclude other diseases
- Magnetic resonance imaging to show possible damage to discs or narrowing of areas where spinal nerves exit
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Reasons To See A Rheumatologist
Almost everyone has some pain in the muscles or joints from time to time. But if it lasts days or more, it might be a good idea to visit a rheumatologist.
It can be hard to diagnose some rheumatic diseases in the early stages. But some of these conditions respond best to early care, so itâs better to see a specialist sooner rather than later. Without treatment, they may lead to joint damage.
Itâs also good to see a rheumatologist if you notice symptoms of autoimmune or rheumatic disease and you have a family history of these conditions.
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Types Of Doctors From A To Z
Audiologist This is a doctor who handles problems with hearing. These doctors also help hearing impaired children learn to communicate.
Allergist This is a doctor who helps with allergies. Any allergies you may have, such as, hay fever or asthma, will be checked out by this doctor.
Andrologists An andrologist is a specialist doctor that helps in diagnosing and treating male reproductive system disorders.
Anesthesiologist This is the doctor that helps you to sleep through painful operations and medical diagnoses. They are responsible for administering the anesthesia and are present during surgeries to help in complications arising from anesthesia medications.
Cardiologist A cardiologist is certified to treat any problem dealing with heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular Surgeon This doctor carries out surgical and invasive techniques dealing with cardiovascular diseases.
Clinical Neurophysiologist This is a doctor that diagnoses any problem dealing with the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system with the aid of electrophysiological tests.
Dentist Any dental problem from tooth decay to dentures to retainers are handled by a dentist. They also treat any gum diseases and oral defects.
Dermatologist This is a doctor that treats any ailment related to the skin and its appendages such as hair, nails, etc.
Endocrinologist Thyroid problems, hormone problems or any problems with the endocrine system is handled by an endocrinologist.
What Kind Of Doctor Treats Arthritis And Gout: You Have To Know This
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When You Know You Have The Right Match
Traci Lynn Martin, a neonatal ICU nurse and expedition kayaker from Lees Summit, Missouri, found out she had rheumatoid arthritis, she went to a few rheumatologists before she found the right chemistry.
The first person I saw I didnt like, Martin says, because I didnt feel like he was listening to me. He had a formula with questions and it wasnt personalized. It was important for me to stay active, to be able to do my triathlons, and long distance kayaking that I had done my whole life.
Friends referred her to other specialists, but she knew right away when she found the right rheumatologist. He sits down and doesnt rush in and out and doesnt leave the room until I am happy, Martin says. I walked out of there so happy after the first visit, I felt like I had someone who was listening to me for the first time since my diagnosis.
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Is It Possible To Have Surgery For Arthritis
Many people with arthritis have constant pain. Some of this pain can be relieved by rest, heat and cold treatments, exercise, splints, and medication. When these therapies dont lessen the pain, surgery may be considered. Possible Benefits of Surgery Arthritis is usually a chronic condition and sometimes can lead to disability.
repairs or reconstructions to tendons or ligaments. Most people with arthritis wont need surgery, and being referred to an orthopaedic surgeon doesnt mean that youll definitely have orthopaedic surgery. Youll always have the final decision on whether to go ahead with surgery or not.
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Spinal Arthritis Causes And Risk Factors
The causes of arthritis in the back or neck vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Besides normal wear and tear and autoimmune triggers, in many cases the exact cause remains unknown. Genetic components have been identified in connection with some forms of spinal arthritis, meaning that it may be hereditary.
Other spinal arthritis risk factors include:
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Excess weight/obesity
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Presence of certain conditions such as diabetes, gout, psoriasis, tuberculosis, irritable bowel syndrome and Lyme disease
Do I Need To Go To A Rheumatologist Or An Orthopedist
With so much overlap between medical disciplines and specializations, it is often difficult for an individual to discern which type of doctor to see for their problem.
This is especially true for orthopedics and rheumatology, as both of these types of physicians treat joint pain.
Orthopedists are surgeons who address bone and joint diseases and injuries, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and body trauma. Rheumatologists are internal medicine physicians who focus on autoimmune conditions and the non-surgical treatment of such diseases, such as arthritis, where medications and/or physical therapy can provide the proper treatment.
It is important to understand the areas these two specialties cover in order to make an informed decision.
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