Arthritis
At Kennedy Health, we specialize in providing comprehensive arthritis care to help manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve your quality of life. Our experienced medical professionals are dedicated to diagnosing and treating various types of arthritis, ensuring personalized care and effective relief.
Causes of Arthritis
Age and Wear and Tear
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, often occurs with age as the protective cartilage in joints gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Inflammatory Response
Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and joint deformity.
Genetic Predisposition
Certain forms of arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis, are influenced by genetic factors, making individuals more susceptible to developing the condition.
Injury or Trauma
Joint injuries or repetitive stress on joints over time can contribute to the development of arthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
Types of Diagnoses and Conditions
Osteoarthritis
This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that affects individuals with psoriasis. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and skin and nail changes.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and potential joint deformity.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe joint pain, swelling, and redness.
Symptoms of Back Pain
Joint Pain and Stiffness
Persistent pain, tenderness, and stiffness in one or more joints, often worsened with movement or after periods of inactivity.
Swelling and Inflammation
Joint swelling, warmth, and redness due to inflammation within the affected joints.
Limited Range of Motion: Reduced ability to move the affected joints fully, resulting in decreased flexibility and difficulty performing daily activities.
Joint Deformity
In some types of arthritis, prolonged inflammation can lead to joint deformity and changes in joint structure.
Fatigue
Arthritis-related fatigue can occur due to inflammation, pain, and sleep disturbances associated with the condition.
Effective Back Pain Relief
Medication Management
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and pain medications may be prescribed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and slow disease progression.
Physical Therapy
Our skilled physical therapists develop personalized exercise programs to improve joint flexibility, strength, and function, reducing pain and enhancing mobility.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists help individuals with arthritis optimize their ability to perform daily activities by providing guidance on adaptive tools, joint protection techniques, and energy conservation strategies.
Joint Injections
Intra-articular injections, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, may be recommended to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and provide temporary relief.
Lifestyle Modifications
Our medical professionals provide guidance on weight management, low-impact exercises, joint protection techniques, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce stress on the joints and improve overall well-being.
Assistive Devices
The use of assistive devices, such as braces, splints, or canes, can help support joints, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
Surgical Intervention
In severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options such as joint replacement or joint fusion may be considered to alleviate pain and restore joint function.
Take the first step toward effective arthritis care. Contact Kennedy Health today to schedule a consultation and explore the treatment options available to help you find relief and regain control of your life. Trust our expertise and commitment to your well-being as we guide you on the path to a healthier, more comfortable future.