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Arthritis Care

Daily Apple Clinic

Adult Care, Primary Care, & Family Nurse Practitioners located in Congress Park, Denver, CO

Arthritis typically affects individuals in the later stages of life. Early and effective treatment is important to minimize symptoms and prevent the disease from worsening over time. Some forms of arthritis, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout tend to become more serious as they progress. Taking care of your arthritis will allow you to minimize pain and joint damage and improve or maintain your joint function and quality of life.

 

At Daily Apple Clinic in Congress Park of Denver, Colorado, Paul Reynolds, FNP, Monica Schonteich, FNP, and their highly trained team can diagnose and treat arthritis to reduce pain levels, decrease inflammation, and allow you a better quality of life. Call the office to schedule an arthritis care appointment or book one online today.

Arthritis Care Q & A

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What is arthritis?

Per the CDC: Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints or tissues around the joint. There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Most types of arthritis cause pain and stiffness in and around the affected joint or joints. Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also affect the immune system and internal organs of the body. The joints of the knee, shoulder, hip, back, hand, wrist and foot are most commonly affected. ​

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The most common form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis. Other common types include: rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia.

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What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis you may have. Common symptoms you may experience with arthritis include:

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  • Joint pain

  • Stiffness

  • Swelling

  • Decreased range of motion

  • Reduced mobility

  • Redness

  • Warmth

  • Joint disfigurement 

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Symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually and may occur intermittently or persist for many years. 

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What are the risk factors for arthritis?

Many risk factors for arthritis may be under your control and others may not.

 

Arthritis risk increases with age and most types of arthritis are more common in women. Certain genes you are born with may also make you more likely to develop arthritis or allow it to become worse. 

 

However, many risk factors are "modifiable" and, by making lifestyle changes, you can decrease your risk of having or worsening your arthritis. You can maintain a healthy weight by eating healthy foods and increasing physical activity. See your doctor right away if you think you may have an infection in a joint or if you have injured a joint due to recent trauma or repetitive stress. Avoid occupations with excessive bending and squatting and with hazards that may make you prone to injury. Importantly, you can stop smoking and never restart. 

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How does my doctor diagnose arthritis?

Arthritis is usually diagnosed clinically during an interview with a patient and by conducting a careful physical exam of painful areas. Swollen, red, stiff and painful joints may be arthritic. Your provider at Daily Apple Clinic will review your symptoms and medical history and carefully evaluate your joints and range of motion in order to create a treatment plan that will work best for you. They may recommend urine tests, blood tests, joint fluid testing, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds, if needed.

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What does arthritis care consist of​?

Common arthritis treatments include:

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  • Home remedies: Home treatments that can reduce arthritis pain include regular exercise, heat packs, cold packs, shoe inserts, and braces or canes.

  • Medications: Medications such as NSAIDs help reduce joint pain and arthritis disease progression.

  • Injections: Joint injections can lubricate your joints, reduce inflammation, enhance healing, and alleviate arthritis pain.

  • Physical therapy: Regular physical activity and therapy can help relieve arthritis pain and stiffness, increase your energy levels and improve your mood to help you feel more positive. 

  • Surgery: Surgery can remove, repair, or replace damaged joint tissues. Your Daily Apple Clinic provider can refer you to a specialist if you’re a candidate for joint surgery.

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Properly managing arthritis can help you decrease pain, improve overall function and keep you productive. It will allow you to pursue activities that are important to you. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

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