ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON FRISCO TX: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ARTHRITIS

As every orthopedic surgeon in Frisco TX will tell you, arthritis is a common condition and one they see in their practices on a daily basis.  What is arthritis and how can you tell if you have it?  These are some things you need to know, not only about arthritis, but about what an orthopedic surgeon in Frisco TX can do to help:

▸ What is arthritis?  The word ‘arthritis’ means ‘inflammation of a joint’ and it takes many forms.  In osteoarthritis, inflammation happens when the smooth covering of the ends of bones becomes damaged or worn.  The knee and the hip are two load-bearing joints that are commonly affected.  In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation that arises is part of an overall disease process that affects the whole body.  Other types of arthritis are seronegative spondyloarthropathies, crystalline deposition diseases and septic arthritis.

▸ What causes arthritis?  There are two major causes of arthritis.  The first is wear and tear on joints that accompanies the aging process, constant use or trauma.  The second is a number of inflammatory processes.  Regardless of the cause, the inflammation that comes from arthritis can cause long-lasting and permanent disability.

▸ How is arthritis diagnosed?  You may notice that you have increased muscle weakness, a joint that is tender to the touch, a limited ability to move the joint, a grating feeling or sound when the joint is moved, swelling of a joint and finally pain in affected joints.  Your orthopedic surgeon in Frisco TX will use X-rays, a review of symptoms, a physical examination and sometimes a blood test to diagnose arthritis.

▸ How is arthritis treated?  The first line of treatment is likely to be non-surgical and can include pain and anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.  Your physician will assess the severity of your condition and that will determine whether or not you need over-the-counter medications or prescription medications.  In addition, corticosteroid injections into joints can relieve pain and inflammation.  Certain exercises and physical therapy can help to decrease stiffness and strengthen the muscles around affected joints.  When these treatments fail to provide relief, orthopedic surgeons will consider surgical intervention in the form of removal of damaged joint lining, realignment or fusing of joints and total joint replacement.

▸ How is arthritis managed long-term?  There are currently no cures for most types of arthritis so people who have it will have it for the rest of their lives.  Long-term management of arthritis includes exercise, weight loss and use of anti-inflammatory drugs.  People with rheumatoid arthritis are usually managed by a team of healthcare professionals like rheumatologists, physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons.

If you feel you may have arthritis, find out all you can and then make an appointment with Texas Orthopedic Partners for a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon in Frisco TX.  Call 469-293-4000 or visit www.texasorthopartners.com.

Orthopedic Surgeon Frisco TX
Texas Orthopedic Partners
4401 Coit Rd, Suite 203
Frisco, Texas 75035
(469) 293-4000