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ArthritisPain Management in Knoxville, TN

Pain Relief for Arthritis Knoxville, TN

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joint or joints. The word “Arthritis” literally means “inflammation of the joints” and does not refer to a single condition. Arthritis treatment at Knoxville pain clinic involves physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Anyone can be diagnosed with Arthritis, although it is more common in 65 years old and older. There are over one hundred types of Arthritis. A Rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases affecting the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending upon the severity and the type of Arthritis. Common symptoms include redness, swelling of the joints, and restricted range of motion. It is important to note that these symptoms may overlap with other conditions; therefore, imaging tests, physical examination, and review of family health history are recommended in order to generate a correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The doctor may order different tests and procedures in order to provide an accurate diagnosis. Reviewing family health history will shed some light into what pre-existing conditions the patient is at risk of developing. The risk of some types of arthritis is higher if a parent or sibling has the condition. Blood tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can be ordered to gauge the level of inflammation in the body. Other blood tests include c-reactive protein (CRP), full blood count (CBC), and cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP):
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or sed rate, is a test that checks for inflammation in the body. During a sed rate test, a small amount of blood is placed in a tall tube and the distance at which the blood settles is measured. If the blood settles and falls at a fast rate, it is a sign that the ESR levels are high.
  • C-reactive protein is a protein secreted by the liver. When there is an infection in the body, the liver releases CRP to trigger an immune system response. This process causes inflammation throughout the body, and even though elevated levels of CRP do not necessarily indicate the presence of arthritis, they might direct the doctor into digging a little deeper to find out any abnormalities occurring in the immune system.
  • A full blood count, or a complete blood count (CDC) assesses the overall status of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets. This test may accompany other tests for the presence of any abnormalities in the blood. Unusual results require further analysis.
Imaging tests such as X-Rays and MRIs can show any changes or damages to the joints. X-rays use low dose radiation to show how the bones interact with each other at the joint area. With x-rays, doctors are able to find conditions that may indicate arthritis. MRIs, on the other hand, use a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and a computer to generate pictures of the entire body. MRIs show the bones and the tissues surrounding them, which is extremely helpful for finding changes or abnormalities related to arthritis. These tests can either aid in confirming or ruling out a potential diagnosis. Our Knoxville arthritis doctor conducts necessary tests and procedures to determine the correct diagnosis and provide the best course of treatment.

Types of Arthritis

There are more than one hundred types of arthritis; however, the most common are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative arthritis because it affects the entire joint, including the bone, cartilage, ligaments, and the tissues lining the joint (synovium). Approximately 32.5 million adults are currently living with this condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes redness, swelling, and stiffness around the joints. As an autoimmune condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells lining the joints, causing them to develop the symptoms already mentioned, and even causing further damage in other body systems such as the eyes, the lungs, and the heart. Periods in which symptoms worsen are called “a flare.” A flare may vary and last from days to months. Among other less commonly known types of arthritis, we can find:
  • Gout
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Reactive Arthritis
  • Septic Arthritis
  • Thumb Arthritis

Is there a cure for Arthritis?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. Medical efforts aim to relieve the pain, increase mobility, and improve overall quality of life. Without treatment, people with arthritis can experience decreased mobility and productivity, missing days of work and oftentimes isolating themselves from social activities, giving rise to mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Treatment for Arthritis Knoxville, TN

How is arthritis treated?

The doctor will determine the best approach to tackle the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Treatment for Arthritis can be short-term or long-term:

Short-term treatments:

Medication. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are commonly used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. These are generally available over the counter (OTC). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). A TENS is a small device which sends electrical pulses through the skin to trigger the body’s own painkillers. Massage. Light massages promote blood flow, temporarily relieving the pain, and do not have any side effects.

Long-term treatments:

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Such medications aid in slowing down the progression of the condition and can also block inflammation. Examples include methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine. These medications are only available under prescription. Corticosteroids. Also known as steroids. They reduce inflammation and swelling. Prednisone and methylprednisolone are two types of corticosteroids and can be administered orally or as an injection. Surgery. Depending upon the severity of the condition, the doctor will perform surgery to replace the damaged joint, reduce symptoms and improve mobility. Recovery can take up to six months and physical therapy is highly recommended to increase motion and return to regular physical activities.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and restricted range of motion. Although can occur at any age, it is more common in people 65 and over. The most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, with Osteoarthritis accounting for over 32.5 million people in the United States alone. Blood tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and c-reactive protein (CRP); and imaging tests such as X-Rays and MRIs are helpful diagnostic tools. Reviewing family history is also helpful for learning about pre-existing conditions. There is currently no cure for arthritis, but treatment is widely available and includes nonsteroid medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen; corticosteroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone; and in severe cases, doctors perform surgery to replace the damaged joint and increase mobility. Visit your doctor if you experience constant pain or inflammation in your joints. With Omega Pain Management in Knoxville, arthritis will no longer be debilitating. Arthritis specialist Knoxville, TN And of course look into having a professional create a pain management schedule personalized to you. It’s important that all factors are considered before your plan is created. Omega Pain Management is your best place to start. Arthritis is just like the clock, it never stands still. This is something you are going to have to be aware of and versatile in your thinking to deal with the pain now and prevention in the future.

Treatment for Arthritis in Knoxville, TN

Trusting your joint pain care to comprehensive pain specialists and getting pain relief for arthritis in Knoxville, TN under the leadership of accredited pain management specialist Dr. Igor Smelyansky, is a welcome relief. Omega Pain Management has your solutions to getting a handle on your pain so you can get back to living happily pain-free! Make the call today – Phone 865-337-5137 and get your life back! Click on the following links if you want to find out more about Dr. Igor Smelyansky and Omega Pain Management Clinic.

References

Arthritis Foundation. (2022, June 9). What Is Arthritis? Www.arthritis.org. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis

Arthritis foundation. (2020). Osteoarthritis. Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis

Healthline. (2021, October 25). 6 Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Tests, Plus Other Diagnostic Tools. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-test#ccp-antibodies

Radiology (ACR), R. S. of N. A. (RSNA) and A. C. of. (2021, July 31). Arthritis. Radiologyinfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/arthritis