Joint problems and conditions can be debilitating and significantly impact a patient's overall quality of life. Conditions such as forms of arthritis, cartilage damage, and injuries can affect mobility and cause pain during daily activities. Recognizing these conditions can enable early treatment and reduce the discomfort that joint conditions may cause.

Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition characterized by the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. Symptoms of arthritis commonly include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Each condition damages joints in a different way.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by the wear and tear damage to joints and cartilage. This damage may occur over time or be accelerated by joint injuries.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, specifically the joints. The condition causes symptoms in the joints, but can also affect other parts of the body.

Cartilage Damage
Cartilage damage can happen for a variety of reasons, such as trauma, overuse, and ageing. The most common type of cartilage damage occurs in the knee, hip, and shoulder. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement.

Injury
Joint injury can result from a variety of factors, including trauma, overuse, degenerative conditions, and inflammatory conditions. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Accidents, falls, and sports can be common causes of injury.

It is essential to consult a physician to identify the individual causes of joint discomfort and create a personalized care plan. Treatments for joint conditions include resting joints, pain-relieving medications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
If you suspect you might be experiencing issues with your joints, please call (205) 930-8339 to schedule an appointment.