Arthritis Specialist
West County Rheumatology
Rheumatologists located in Saint Louis, MO
If your joints are painful or stiff, don’t ignore it. Unmanaged arthritis could affect your mobility permanently. The team at West County Rheumatology in Saint Louis specializes in the assessment and diagnosis of many forms of arthritis and can help keep your mobility with a thorough treatment plan. To schedule a joint evaluation with Sona Kamat, MD, FACR, or another member of our team call West County Rheumatology or request an appointment online today.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition causing pain and inflammation in your joints. All forms of the condition worsen as you age, and eventually, you may lose the mobility in your joints without the proper care.
You can develop arthritis in your joints at any time in your life, but it most commonly appears in men and women over age 65. You’re at a higher risk of developing some form of arthritis if you’re a woman or if you’re overweight.
What are some common types of arthritis?
There are over 100 types of arthritis and similar conditions, each with a different mechanism in affecting and degenerating the tissues within your joints. Common types of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis appears after normal wear-and-tear within your joints. Specifically, when the soft cartilage in your joints breaks down, causing your bones to rub together when you move. An injury or infection can hasten the process.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the tissues in your joints, causing inflammation and eventually wearing them away.
Psoriatic arthritis
If you have an overactive immune system, you may get a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is the inflammation that appears on your skin, while psoriatic arthritis is the inflammation that appears within your joints.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation and hardening of excess uric acid from your blood around your joints. It’s most common in the joint at the base of your big toe, but you can develop it anywhere. Often, gout isn’t painful, but flare-ups called gout attacks cause severe pain and tenderness.
How can I keep my joints mobile despite my arthritis?
At West County Rheumatology, the team thoroughly evaluates your joint pain and symptoms to determine which type of arthritis is affecting you. Then, they create a multifaceted treatment plan to help you manage your arthritis.
By following your treatment plan, you can keep your joints mobile and slow the progression of the arthritic damage to your joints. Your plan might include:
- Infusion therapy
- Oral medications
- Pain-relieving topical creams
- Physical therapy
- A weight loss plan
If your arthritis is advanced and affecting your movement, the West County Rheumatology team may refer you for joint replacement or fusion surgery.
If pain, warmth, or stiffness is affecting your joints, don’t hesitate to book your arthritis assessment at West County Rheumatology by phone or online today.