Arthritis

Arthritis affects more than 54 million adults in the United States. About half of those with arthritis find that their joint pain keeps them from participating in daily activities. At NY Partners Orthopedics in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens and Brooklyn, New York City, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Ronald Huang, MD, takes a patient-centered approach. He uses innovative tools and techniques to help patients get relief from their arthritis and get back to doing the things they love. To schedule your arthritis evaluation, call the office, or book an appointment online today.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical term that describes joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Many conditions and diseases can cause arthritis.

Arthritis may affect any joint in your body and develop at any age. The condition is progressive, and symptoms may worsen over time. Taking steps to manage your arthritis early may prevent or delay joint changes that lead to chronic pain and disability. 

What are the common types of arthritis?

There are over 100 conditions that cause arthritis. The most common types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis

Better known as wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain and inflammation. This type of arthritis occurs from a wearing away of the cartilage that separates and cushions the bones. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. With this type of arthritis, your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the lining of your joint capsule.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune disease that occurs in people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes an overproduction of skin cells. With psoriatic arthritis, the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and pain. 

What happens during an arthritis evaluation?

When you visit NY Partners Orthopedics for an arthritis evaluation, your board-certified orthopedic physician conducts an in-depth clinical exam to fully understand your condition and how it interferes with your daily life.

Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, types of medications you take, and your daily routine during your evaluation. Then they perform a physical exam.

To confirm or rule out the underlying cause of your arthritis, your provider may request further testing such as blood work, X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI. 

How is arthritis treated?

NY Partners Orthopedics takes a patient-centered approach to care and develops individualized arthritis treatment plans.

Initially, your provider takes a non-surgical approach to alleviate pain and improve joint health. Treatment may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Disease-specific medication
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Splints or braces
• Corticosteroid injections
• Viscosupplementation injections
• Custom-made orthotics
  

The goal of non-surgical treatment for your arthritis is to alleviate your symptoms and prevent the progression of your disease. 

Will I need surgery for my arthritis?

Your board-certified orthopedic surgeon at NY Partners Orthopedics may recommend surgical intervention for your arthritis if non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate your pain or you have severe joint damage. Surgery may include joint repair, replacement, or fusion.

For a comprehensive approach to your arthritis, call NY Partners Orthopedics or book an appointment online today.