Arthritis

More than 55 million adults — about 25% of all Americans —have arthritis today. If you have chronic arthritis symptoms like joint pain and stiffness, the orthopedic surgeons at Advocare South Jersey Orthopedic Associates can help. With treatment options ranging from nonoperative care to robotic-assisted joint replacements, you can solve chronic hip, knee, and shoulder pain. There are two offices in Voorhees and Turnersville, New Jersey, so call either office or request an appointment online now.

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is a disease that causes joint damage. This disease can affect your joints in many different ways, depending on its exact form. The most common types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis symptoms may vary from mild to very serious, with some of the most common effects being:

• Joint pain
• Joint tenderness
• Swelling
• Muscle atrophy around joint
• Limited joint movement
• Crepitus - a grating noise or sensation

In severe cases of arthritis, you may become virtually immobile without treatment. Seek treatment when you notice the first sign of joint problems to prevent further joint degradation.

HOW IS ARTHRITIS TREATED?

Advocare South Jersey Orthopedic Associates offers a variety of innovative arthritis therapies. Your specific treatment depends on how severe your joint damage is and how arthritis affects your day-to-day activities.

Initial treatment may include physical therapy, activity modifications, and medication. For persistent arthritic pain and stiffness, your doctor may recommend regenerative medicine injections, such as stem cells, PRP, or hyaluronic acid. Injections relieve inflammation and pain while boosting your body’s regenerative abilities.

If you have severe joint wear and nonoperative therapy doesn't offer long-lasting results for you, joint replacement surgery like a minimally invasive total knee, shoulder, or hip replacement can restore your joint and greatly reduce your arthritis symptoms.

Advocare South Jersey Orthopedic Associates can free you from arthritis pain. Request your appointment online or call the office nearest you to arrange a consultation now.

Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage layer over your bones wears down, creating bone-to-bone contact in your joints.

Osteoarthritis frequently happens as you age, due to many years of wear-and-tear on your joints. It can also develop with overuse and trauma. This form of arthritis primarily affects weight-bearing joints, including your hips, knees, and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the synovium, the inner lining of your joint capsules. This attack triggers swelling in and around your joint and can later lead to joint surface damage, including bone erosion and warping.

Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs in multiple joints, often concentrating in your hands and feet. But, it can also occur in your shoulders, knees, hips, elbows, and other joints.

Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that occurs only if you've had a previous joint injury. For example, if you have a bone fracture or ACL injury, you might later develop post-traumatic arthritis.

Any injury to your joint can alter its mechanics, accelerating ordinary wear-and-tear to bring on post-traumatic arthritis.

Some of the other forms of arthritis include septic arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, spondylosis, and many others.