Arthritis Management

Arthritis management uses healthy lifestyle changes, routine checkups, treatments, and prescription medication to relieve joint pain and improve mobility. It may alleviate the crippling symptoms of arthritis so you can maintain your routine. At AssociatesMD, with offices in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Weston, Margate, and Dania Beach, Florida, the team provides arthritis management to adults. Call the nearest office to schedule an arthritis management consultation, or book your appointment online today. 

Who should consider arthritis management?

Consider arthritis management at AssociatesMD if you have a diagnosis of any of the following.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis, is a degenerative disease that causes cartilage breakdown. Cartilage is a rubbery substance that cushions your joints. It wears down with age, causing your bones to rub against each other, resulting in joint stiffness, swelling, and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack and destroy the joint lining. Like osteoarthritis, it causes joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. 

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that is common in men, but women develop it as well. It causes uric acid crystals to build up inside the joints –– most commonly the big toe –– resulting in pain, swelling, and tenderness.

If you have another form of arthritis, the AssociatesMD team can help manage it as well.

What happens during an arthritis management consultation?

Your AssociatesMD provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. They check your affected joints, looking for redness, bruising, and swelling. Your provider gently presses the joints to identify sensitive spots and assesses your range of motion.

Next, your provider may complete several lab screenings, which may include a joint fluid test. They use a thin needle to extract a sample of joint fluid and then send it to a nearby lab to determine the source of your pain and inflammation. Your provider also orders X-rays and an ultrasound to check your bones, joints, and the surrounding tissue.

After determining the type of arthritis you have, your AssociatesMD provider makes personalized treatment recommendations.

What treatments does arthritis management include?

The AssociatesMD team tailors arthritis management to your symptoms and needs. Arthritis isn’t curable, but healthy lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and losing weight, can reduce inflammation and ease pressure on your joints.

The team might also recommend medication, such as:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Counterirritants (creams and ointments with menthol or capsaicin)

If your joint pain continues or worsens, you might benefit from physical therapy. The team can refer you to a nearby specialist to complete physical therapy.

How long does it take for arthritis management to work?

The time it takes for arthritis management to work depends on the type of arthritis you have, the severity of your symptoms, and your commitment to the treatment plan. Most patients experience significant pain relief within 2-4 weeks, but it may take longer. Be patient and follow your provider’s instructions.

Call the nearest AssociatesMD office to schedule an arthritis management consultation, or book your appointment online today. 

*Individual results may vary.