Arthritis
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Powell Orthopedics
Triple Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon located in Fayetteville and Bentonville, AR
Almost 55 million people in the United States are diagnosed with some form of arthritic condition each year, making it a very common problem. What’s also common is the pain and loss of mobility that arthritis often leads to. At Powell Orthopedics in Fayetteville and Bentonville, Arkansas, Dr. Mark W. Powell has a number of effective treatment options that help you gain back the freedom to move without pain. To learn more, call the office or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term to describe a host of conditions that cause inflammation in your joints. One of the most common forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which develops when your cartilage degenerates, leaving your bones to rub together painfully.
To understand this better, it’s helpful to back up and review the role of cartilage in your body. Cartilage is a slippery substance that covers the ends of your bones where they meet in joints. The cartilage helps your bones to glide over and across each other smoothly.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that develops as a result of wear and tear on your joints, and your cartilage, over time. Adding to this general damage is the fact that, as you age, your cartilage becomes more brittle and breaks down more easily.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The most common indicators that you may be suffering from arthritis are:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Loss of range of motion
- Outward redness
These symptoms are felt locally, at the affected joint.
How is arthritis treated?
If your arthritis is having a serious effect on your ability to go about your daily life, it’s time to seek treatment with Dr. Powell. Arthritis can’t be cured, but there’s much that he can do to manage and alleviate the symptoms, including:
Medications
There are a number of medications that provide relief from the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Dr. Powell understands the role that each plays and recommends one that’s right for your particular situation and level of discomfort.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a key component in treating arthritis because it builds up your surrounding muscle, which takes the pressure off of your joints. Dr. Powell also turns to physical therapy to restore your range of motion and mobility.
Surgery
If your arthritis has progressed beyond the scope of medications or physical therapy, new surgical techniques offer minimally-invasive and effective solutions to relieve your arthritis symptoms. Dr. Powell may recommend surgeries that:
- Repair your joint
- Replace your joint
- Fuse your joints
If you’re tired of the limitations that arthritis has put on your life, call Powell Orthopedics to get started on a treatment plan, or schedule an appointment with the online booking tool.
