Arthritis Specialists

What is arthritis?

Arthritis takes more than 100 forms, some common and some unlikely. All types of arthritis cause painful joint inflammation, but while certain forms affect multiple joints, others develop in just one joint.

The types of arthritis that occur most commonly include:

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Post-traumatic arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Septic arthritis

• Gout

Of these, osteoarthritis is the most common.

How does arthritis develop?

The different forms of arthritis have varying causes. Rheumatoid arthritis develops because of an autoimmune disorder that destroys the joint linings. Gout sets in when there's a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint — most often the big toe.

Osteoarthritis (OA) develops when the protective covering at the end of your bones (cartilage) starts to wear down. This results in the bones brushing against one another, creating significant pain in the affected joints.

Your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis increases because of normal wear-and-tear as you age. Other risk factors include:

• Weight gain

• Past injuries

• Genetics

• Overuse

• Lifelong inactivity

You may have OA if your knees are stiff in the morning when you first wake up or after long periods of rest. 

You might also notice swelling in your knee following physical activity, experience tenderness or heat in your knees, and feel a grinding sensation or hear creaking or popping sounds when you bend your knees.

How is arthritis treated?

There's no cure for arthritis, so nonsurgical treatments aim to relieve the symptoms. Midwest Center for Joint Replacement recommends beginning arthritis treatment using noninvasive approaches such as:

Joint injections

Corticosteroid injections deliver temporary relief for joint pain. Injections containing the hormone cortisol can reduce inflammation in your joints and relieve pain for around 3-6 months, and sometimes longer.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises help strengthen the muscles around your knee, which can ease the pain of mild osteoarthritis.

Lifestyle changes

Changes in your diet, exercise habits, and sleeping patterns can all help with the pain of arthritis. The Midwest Center for Joint Replacement team might urge you to adopt a healthier diet and a more regular sleep schedule, and regularly perform low-impact exercises.

If these treatments aren't effective or your arthritis becomes too severe to cope with, surgery could provide long-lasting results.

What does surgery for arthritis involve?

Joint replacement surgery is a well-established, proven, and typically safe procedure that can restore function to your joints and relieve chronic pain.

We specialize in using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to perform surgery for arthritis. These techniques use a tiny camera on a flexible tube to relay video images of the inside of the joint to your surgeon's monitor.

An arthroscopy requires only small incisions, just large enough to get the arthroscope and specialized instruments into the joint. In most cases, you can have joint replacement surgery as an outpatient at Midwest Center for Joint Replacement's specialty surgery center.

To find out more and schedule a consultation, give us a call.