FYI: Arthritis

Definition:  

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement.  There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

Causes:

Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilige. Cartilige typically protects the joint, allowing for smooth
movement.  Another function of cartilige is to absorb the shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you walk.  Without the usual amount of cartilige, the bones rub together,causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Why do we get arthritis?

Arthiritis is usually associated with "wear and tear" on the joints, but it can also be caused by an infection caused by bacteria or viruses, a broken bone, or an d autoimmune disease.

Most common type of arthiritis:

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and it is more likely to occur as your age.  It is most common to feel it in your hips, knees, or fingers.  Risk factors for osteoarthiritis include, being overweight, previously injuring the affected weight, using the affected joint in a repetitive action that puts stress on the joint (baseball players, ballet dancers, construction workers are all at risk).

Symptoms:

Joint pain, joint swelling, reduced ability to move the joint, redness of the skin around a joint, stiffness (especially in the morning), warmth around the joint.

What to do if you think you may have arthiritis:

Visit your doctor and he will determine if, in fact, you do have arthiritis, or if it is another musculoskeletal problem. 

Treatment:

It is possible to greatly improve your symptoms from osteoarthiritis and other long-term types of arthiritis solely by making lifestyle changes.  Low-impact aerobic activity and strength training can help to prevent arthiritis.

Sleeping 8-10 hours is also very important.  Proper sleep will help you to recover from a flare-up and may even prevent exacerbations.

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial, especially antioxidants such as Vitamin E, selenium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. You can find these in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, sunflower seeds, cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, and herrig).

Surgery and Other Approaches: 
In some cases, surgery to rebuild the joint or replace the joint, may help maintain a more normal lifestyle.  The decision to perform joint replacement is normally made when other alternatives, such as

lifestyle changes and medications, are no longer effective. 

Dr. Marquez' specialty is total bone and joint replacement.  He designed and patented his own mobile-bearing knee implant system and he continues to contribute to the development and design of new technology.

If you have any question about arthiritis or any bone/joint concern, please call Orthopedic Surgery Center to set up an appointment: (956) 668-0060