Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of conditions causing joints to become inflamed. Over time, arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and negatively affect mobility. In most cases, arthritis develops slowly and worsens over time. However, it is possible to experience sudden onset of arthritic joint pain that can vary in intensity and have periods of remission.

At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists, Drs. Huffman and Ghazal use advanced diagnostic services like blood tests and imaging scans to determine which type of arthritis you may have. The doctors at IPRMS will help you manage your arthritis pain in order to maintain your mobility and function for as long as possible. With an effective treatment plan, you can reduce your symptoms and continue to live a productive and fulfilling life.

What are some common types of arthritis?

There are over 100 documented types of arthritis, all of which fit into four different categories with various causes:

Inflammatory arthritis

While all forms of arthritis cause inflammation, inflammatory arthritis develops when your immune system attacks your joints as if they were invading your body and making you sick. This immune response causes intense inflammation and can lead to joint erosion and dysfunction over time. 

Degenerative arthritis

Degenerative forms of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, cause the cartilage in your joints to wear down over time. Getting regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent degenerative arthritis or slow its progression.

Infectious arthritis

Infectious arthritis comes from a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Often, antibiotics can clear the infection and ease your arthritic symptoms permanently. However, ongoing treatment may be necessary if there is already lasting damage from the infection.

Metabolic arthritis

Metabolic arthritis develops because of metabolic processes in your body. Specifically, forms of metabolic arthritis like gout develop when your body breaks down purines into uric acid. When uric acid builds up into crystals around your joints, it can result in painful flare-ups with intense, sharp pain.

What are my treatment options for arthritis?

Drs. Huffman and Ghazal will develop a personalized arthritis treatment plan according to the type of arthritis and the characteristics of your symptoms. Your personalized arthritis treatment plan may include:

• Lifestyle changes: diet, weight loss, exercise

• Over-the-counter treatments

  • NSAID’s

  • Topical medications

• Complementary and alternative treatments

  • Physical therapy

  • Acupuncture

  • Biofeedback

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Ergonomics and splints

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

• Prescription treatments

  • COX-2 inhibitors

  • Topical medications

  • Topical neuropathic compounded gels and creams

  • Corticosteroids

  • Immunosuppressants

  • Non-opioid and opioid analgesics

• Minimally invasive techniques

  • Peripheral nerve blocks

  • Radiofrequency ablation

• Implantable therapies

  • Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)

  • Intrathecal Drug Delivery System (IDDS)

In some cases, your IPRMS physician might recommend an orthopedic surgery evaluation for consideration of surgical intervention. Our doctors typically only recommend considering surgery if non-invasive and minimally invasive management strategies are unsuccessful, and your arthritis pain is severe and poorly controlled affecting your QoL and ADL’s.

Schedule an appointment by phone or online today at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists to learn more about arthritis and the treatments available.