Arthritis Specialist

What are the most common types of arthritis?

Arthritis occurs in more than 100 forms, but the most common types are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis in which your cartilage — the slick coating over the bones — erodes over time. It usually appears in large joints like your knees and hips, although it can affect smaller joints as well. Osteoarthritis often affects just one side of the body, so it may appear in your right hip but not your left, for example.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, happens when the immune system attacks your joints, starting with the joint lining. It often develops within smaller joints like the hands, although it can appear in bigger joints too. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the matching joints on both sides of your body.

Every type of arthritis causes serious joint damage, which usually worsens steadily over time. But, with some of the more innovative treatment approaches available today, you can prevent disease progression, live comfortably, and delay surgery for a long time. 

What symptoms does arthritis cause?

Some of the most common symptoms of arthritis include joint problems such as:

• Discomfort or pain
• Stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Crepitus - a grating feeling or noise as you move the affected joints
• Swelling

Arthritis symptoms generally start after the age of 40 but may develop at any age. 

How is arthritis treated?

Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine offers a variety of arthritis treatment options. Typically, treatment starts with a conservative approach, which may include:

• Activity modifications
• Mobility aids like a walker or cane
• Medication
• Physical therapy

If these treatments do not ease your arthritis symptoms, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections might provide excellent relief. HA is a thick gel that’s similar to cartilage in some ways. 

When injected into a specific area with cartilage loss, for example, the knee joint, HA can restore smooth movement and ease your pain. Relief may last around 2-6 months, and you can have follow-up injections a few times a year if needed.

If your arthritis progresses to cause severe pain that affects your mobility and daily function, you may need joint replacement surgery. The Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team includes expert knee and shoulder surgeons who use the most advanced methods of joint replacement and restoration.

For compassionate arthritis support from outstanding specialists, call Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.