Arthritis is a condition in which one or more of your joints become inflamed. According to the CDC, 23% of adults (more than 54 million people) deal with some form of arthritis. Arthritis most commonly affects people over the age of 65 but has also been found in children, teenagers, and younger adults. The most common symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and pain in the joints, symptoms that may worsen with age. In addition, arthritis may cause redness, swelling, and loss of mobility in the affected joints.

The two most common types of arthritis are:

- Osteoarthritis: Normal wear and tear on a joint’s cartilage can cause osteoarthritis. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones in a joint, allowing for frictionless movement and shock absorption. After years of use and damage, this cartilage breaks down, and the bones in a joint grind directly on one another. This can limit mobility and cause significant pain.

- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the soft tissue in the joints. As this tissue is destroyed, the joints become damaged. In addition to joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis may also cause fatigue, fever, and a loss of appetite.

There are over 100 types of arthritis, each with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Just as there are many forms of arthritis, there is also a wide range of treatment options available to help reduce symptoms of arthritis and improve your quality of life. Specific medication and treatment will depend upon your age, the type of arthritis you have, and your medical history.

Osteoarthritis is caused by routine wear and tear on your cartilage over time. This breakdown causes the cushion between bones to deteriorate. As it does so, bones begin to grind directly on one another, causing joint pain, stiffness, and tenderness. Simultaneously, the connective tissue that holds muscle to the bone may break down which can lead to additional joint pain and swelling.

Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as a rheumatic disease - a form of autoimmune disease - that specifically attacks joints, bones, muscles, and organs. Autoimmune disorders occur when your body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the body, causing the deterioration of the tissue listed above. There is no specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis, although there are several risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing the condition.

Most symptoms of arthritis are felt in the joints. Depending on the area affected by cartilage deterioration, you might experience knee pain or back pain, for instance.

Common symptoms of arthritic conditions include:

• Pain
  
• Swelling
  
• Stiffness
  
• Redness in the affected area
  
• Loss of motion
  

The severity of these symptoms may depend on how the condition has progressed, whether it has been caused by injury and other factors.

It depends. There are many different types of arthritis symptoms, and many types of arthritis doctors. Doctors of Rheumatology - known as rheumatologists - are medical doctors that receive specialized training to treat rheumatic conditions such as arthritis. In addition, orthopedic doctors - known as orthopedists - can treat the musculoskeletal wear and tear that results from arthritic conditions.

In addition to this medical treatment, individuals dealing with arthritis might seek the help of a physical therapy provider to help strengthen certain areas of the body and restore range of motion to damaged joints as a measure of improving general wellness.

Treatment of arthritis is focused on restoring the use of damaged joints and pain management. The forms of treatment for arthritis are detailed below.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe various medications depending on the type of arthritis you have. Common types of medication used to treat arthritis include:

- Painkillers: Painkillers will not help treat the inflammation caused by arthritis, but can help reduce pain and discomfort. Acetaminophen is an effective over-the-counter option for pain relief.

- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce both pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Some NSAIDs come in the form of topical creams or gels, which can be applied directly to the affected area.

- Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants, such as corticosteroids, suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. These drugs are especially beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as they slow the immune system’s attack on soft joint tissue.

Self-care

There are several simple ways you can help minimize the symptoms of arthritis. These methods will not cure arthritis, but they may help manage pain and mobility problems:

- Weight loss: Losing weight will relieve the load on your weight-bearing joints. This may help you move more freely and prevent future joint injuries.

- Exercise: Regular exercise can aid in the flexibility of your joints. Because the buoyancy of water lowers stress on weight-bearing joints, swimming and water aerobics may be suitable options.

- Physical therapy: PT can help strengthen muscles around an affected joint while helping address balance and mobility problems.

- Assistance equipment: Canes, shoe inserts, walkers, and specialized toilet seats, and can help preserve your joints during daily activities.

Surgery

If medicine and other treatments haven’t helped, surgery may help to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Surgical procedures will repair, replace (known as joint replacement), or fuse damaged joints to restore range of motion and reduce discomfort. These procedures are commonly performed by orthopedic surgeons, doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system.

Autoimmune disorders occur when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The cause of these conditions is unknown, but they are commonly passed through genetics. As your immune system attacks healthy tissue in the body, it causes inflammation in the affected area (usually the joints). Common autoimmune disorders include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
  
• Psoriasis/ psoriatic arthritis
  
• Lupus
  
• Sjögren’s disease
  
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  
• Type 1 diabetes
  

Each of these conditions affects different areas of the body and results in diverse symptoms. Most autoimmune diseases cause physical pain, inflammation, fatigue, and swelling in the affected area. Many of these conditions are chronic, meaning that they persist throughout a lifetime. There is no cure for many of these conditions, but they can be managed and treated with help from a rheumatologist and other specialists.

Inflammatory diseases are conditions that are characterized by symptoms caused by your immune system’s response to bacteria, viruses, or toxins. When these offenders are detected by your immune system, it will release certain cells to attack the foreign organism. This process can result in pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, and other adverse effects.

Common inflammatory diseases include:

• Arthritis
  
• Fibromyalgia
  
• Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels)
  
• Scleroderma
  
• Osteoporosis
  
• Inflammatory bowel disease
  
• Crohn’s disease
  
• Asthma
  

There are hundreds of different types of inflammatory diseases, each with diverse symptoms and treatment requirements. If you are experiencing the symptoms of inflammation, it is recommended that you speak to a rheumatologist - a doctor that specializes in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Rheumatologists complete nearly 10 years of schooling to specialize in rheumatic diseases and autoimmune disorders. Some conditions a rheumatologist may diagnose or treat include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
  
• Osteoarthritis
  
• Psoriatic arthritis
  
• Sjögren’s disease
  
• Tendonitis
  
• Osteoporosis
  
• Fibromyalgia
  
• Lupus
  
• Scleroderma
  
• Gout
  
• Polymyositis
  
• Vasculitis
  

Your primary care provider may recommend that you see a rheumatology specialist if they suspect that you have an autoimmune disorder or a complex musculoskeletal condition that requires specialized treatment.

Additionally, if you have a family history of arthritis or other autoimmune disorders, you may want to ask your primary care provider about a recommendation for a rheumatologist. Genetics - conditions being passed down through your family - is the biggest risk factor for the development of these disorders.

Undiagnosed and untreated autoimmune disorders can lead to significant joint damage. Early detection of an autoimmune disorder can help avoid worsening symptoms, such as joint pain and mobility loss. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms detailed above, or if you have a family history of these disorders, talk to your primary care provider about a recommendation for a rheumatologist.

A rheumatologist will talk to you about your medical history, family history of autoimmune disorders, and what symptoms you are experiencing before conducting a physical examination. Physical exams are crucial in helping providers detect symptoms or signs of conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Autoimmune conditions can be hard to diagnose in their early stages, so the rheumatologist may order follow-up testing to better determine the cause of your symptoms. These diagnostic tests include:

• X-ray scans
  
• Blood tests
  
• CT scans
  
• Ultrasound tests
  
• MRI scans
  

Once the rheumatologist has examined your test results, they will work with you to create a treatment plan that can help you manage your symptoms. If surgery is needed, they may recommend an orthopedic surgeon to correct any musculoskeletal damage causing you pain.

No. Rheumatologists can perform diagnostic tests and physical examinations to diagnose autoimmune conditions and musculoskeletal problems, but they are not surgeons. These specialists are able to prescribe medication, administer steroid injections, and refer you to other specialists if needed.

If after your examination your rheumatologist determines that you may benefit from surgery, they will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon - a specialist in surgery of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

An orthopedic doctor can treat a variety of conditions related to the muscular and skeletal systems.

These include:

• Muscle sprains, tears, and tendonitis
  
• Broken bones
  
• Joint pain and back pain
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
  
• Arthritis
  
• Bone cancer
  
• Clubfoot and bowlegs
  

An orthopedic doctor can diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatments for these ailments. Orthopedic doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, stretches, exercises, immobilization, and pain management.

Sub-specialties of orthopedics include:

• Pediatric orthopedics
  
• Sports medicine
  
• Hand surgery
  
• Orthopedic trauma
  
• Physical therapy
  
• Occupational therapy
  

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Yep!

On Sesame, orthopedists and podiatrists offer telehealth appointments for patients looking for efficient, flexible care. With telehealth, you can speak with a doctor about your symptoms and work to develop a treatment plan that's right for you - without the hassle of having to drive to different doctors' offices. If you've already seen a doctor and need a second opinion or more clarity on your condition, you can schedule a quick and easy telehealth appointment to get your questions answered on your own time.

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Like an orthopedic doctor, orthopedic surgeons are well versed in conditions of the musculoskeletal system, such as bone fractures, joint problems, and sports injuries. Another similarity between the two is that they each undergo around 14 years of training including a bachelor's degree, medical school, a residency, and pass a certifying exam.

However, unlike orthopedic doctors, orthopedic surgeons are qualified to conduct orthopedic surgery.

Orthopedic surgeons can often treat musculoskeletal problems with treatment such as:

• Bone grafts
  
• Soft tissue repair
  
• Arthroscopic surgery
  
• Osteotomy
  
• Internal fixation
  
• Partial and total joint replacement
  

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Pain management is a field of medicine that focuses on alleviating chronic pain and improving the quality of life of patients who suffer from it. Pain management doctors use a diverse array of methods - from physical therapy to acupuncture to pain medication- to minimize and manage all sorts of chronic paints in patients.

The types of medical professionals who manage chronic pains and medical conditions vary significantly. Primary care physicians, pharmacists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, pain specialists, and other medical professionals can all work to diagnose your condition, manage your symptoms, and craft a treatment plan that's right for you.

Interventional pain management uses invasive procedures and pain management treatments to manage and alleviate pain. Injections, spinal cord stimulation, nerve blocks, and infusions are all forms of interventional pain management - as doctors intervene in the body's processes to stop the pain.

Non-interventional pain management seeks to alleviate pain without the use of invasive procedures or injections. Exercise, physical therapy, and counseling are all examples of non-interventional techniques.

Physical therapy (or PT) is a healthcare service used to relieve pain, prevent injuries, and improve quality of life. Physical therapy need is often determined through medical history and physical examination. Treatment plans include manual therapy (such as massage), functional strength training, and exercise programs that help cardiovascular and pulmonary health.

Physical therapists (or PT), are the healthcare professionals responsible for administering this kind of care. They have specialized orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological training. Physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (or DPT) degree from an accredited university.

Physical therapist assistants (or PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction of a physical therapist. PTAs must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited educational program and pass a national exam to receive licensure.

The American Physical Therapy Association (or APTA) is the professional organization that supports physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students. Sesame’s network of top-reviewed physical therapists makes finding a quality, fully licensed clinician at an affordable price easier than ever.

Physical therapy is meant to ease pain, prevent injury, and improve quality of life. Physical therapists individualize treatments based on the needs of the patient.

A patient may want or require physical therapy to help:

• Ease or cure pain (such as back pain and neck pain)
  
• Improve balance
  
• Improve mobility
  
• Strengthen joints and/ or musculature
  
• Rehabilitation from musculoskeletal injury (such as sprains, soreness, ligament pain, and range of motion injuries)
  
• Physical rehabilitation after a stroke
  
• Manage incontinence
  
• Manage a chronic illness like arthritis, osteoporosis, or heart disease
  
• Manage pain and physical difficulty related to aging
  
• Manage women’s health issues related to the reproductive system, child-birth, post-partum, and pelvic floor dysfunction
  

Sesame offers high-quality, and affordable physical therapy services in Dothan, AL. Connect with a physical therapist on Sesame for convenient, straightforward help crafting a treatment plan that works for you.

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While physical therapy can help your body feel better as you age, there's one kind of physical therapy specifically designed to combat the physical fatigues associated with aging: geriatric physical therapy.

Geriatric physical therapy addresses a wide range of concerns and conditions related to aging, including complications from arthritis and osteoporosis. A geriatric physical therapist may help with physical fitness, mobility, and strength.

Some modalities of geriatric physical therapy treatment plans include:

• Aquatic aerobics
  
• Yoga
  
• Bodyweight strength training
  
• Gait correction
  
• Electrical stimulation
  
• Deep and/or soft tissue massage
  

Physical therapy can be provided in a number of settings. Most clinicians on Sesame treat patients through outpatient clinics or private offices, but given the difficulty and health concerns some face going into a doctor’s office now, physical therapists on Sesame now offer video visits to help you diagnose and treat a range of conditions.

Who might need in-home care?

Conditions that may require a patient to receive in-home physical therapy services include:

• Loss of functional mobility from surgery or serious injury
  
• Stroke
  
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  
• Multiple Sclerosis
  
• Parkinson’s disease
  

Connect with a physical therapist on Sesame to help find a video or in-person treatment plan that works for you.