Arthritis

What are the most common types of arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition involving damage to your joints. There are many different types of arthritis, and while they share overlapping symptoms, their causes differ. 

Common arthritis types include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is wear-and-tear joint damage that occurs over time due to constant joint use. The cartilage inside your joints breaks down, and eventually, the underlying bone gets damaged too. Osteoarthritis is most common in the hips, knees, and hands.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition, where your own immune system causes joint damage. It commonly affects smaller joints such as those in your hands and feet. 

Gout

Gout involves joint damage from uric acid crystals that build up in your joints, caused by high levels of uric acid in your blood. The crystals lead to pain and swelling, but gout is one of the most manageable types of arthritis.

What are some common symptoms of arthritis? 

Arthritis can affect any joint. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, you may experience symptoms all the time or only during periods of increased symptoms called flare-ups. 

While living with arthritis, you might experience:

• Joint pain
• Stiff joints
• Reduced range of motion of affected joints
• Visible joint swelling
• Heat or warmth coming from affected joints

Arthritis can appear at any age, but you’re more likely to develop osteoarthritis in your joints as you age. 

Which procedures can treat arthritis?

You may be interested in procedures if conservative care including physical therapy, bracing, ice therapy, heat therapy, and other topical treatments and medications don’t improve your symptoms. 

Dr. Foremny specializes in interventional procedures that help reduce swelling and pain in arthritic joints. Image-guided procedures that can treat arthritis at IVO Miami include:

Orthobiologic injections

Orthobiologic injections, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and cell-based therapies, are prepared from your own blood or tissue to support the body's natural healing process.

Steroid injections

Corticosteroid joint injections reduce inflammation and swelling in joints affected by arthritis. By reducing inflammation, they can reduce pain and stiffness. 

Hyaluronic acid injections

Hyaluronic (HA) injections are most commonly used to treat knee pain from osteoarthritis. They contain HA, which is a lubricating gel-like substance that can help your joints move more smoothly.

Learn more about your arthritis treatment options by calling IVO Miami to schedule an appointment.