Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Many people use the term “arthritis” to describe anything causing inflammation and discomfort in the joints. There are, in fact, over 100 different types of arthritis and each may result in varying degrees of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and dysfunction. All types of arthritis may eventually lead to joint destruction. The frequency and severity of the symptoms depend on many factors, including what type of arthritis you have, which joints are affected, and the level of joint deterioration.

How does arthritis affect my joints?

Different types of arthritis attack the joints differently. While the end result of arthritis is dysfunction and pain in the joints, each type is caused by different issues. Osteoarthritis, for example, is a degenerative condition that breaks down the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones that form a joint. This is usually related to aging and activities causing wear and tear of joint structures over time. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis. It’s caused by abnormal responses in your immune system that affect the synovial membrane of joints, a slick lining that keeps the cartilage lubricated and the bones gliding smoothly during motion.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by abnormally high levels of uric acid in your system, which can form needle-like crystals in joints that cause sudden and extreme pain in a joint.

What are the treatments for arthritis?

Treatments may vary according to the type and extent of arthritis you have. However, Dr. Cucchetti’s primary focus is the same for every patient – relieving your pain and preserving joint function and mobility. If the joint damage is severe or your pain is unrelenting despite conservative treatment, Dr. Cucchetti may recommend surgery to repair or even replace the joint.

If the joint damage is severe or your pain is unrelenting despite conservative treatment, Dr. Cucchetti may recommend surgery to repair or even replace the joint. He prefers minimally invasive surgery whenever possible, and thus may utilize an arthroscopic procedure. Dr. Cucchetti always takes the time to explain the procedure he recommends, expected outcomes, and typical recovery time, as well as answer all your questions. He may recommend conservative measures such as:

• Resting your joints by limiting weight-bearing activities such as running and suggest swimming or cycling for exercise
• Guided physical therapy to restore mobility and strengthen the muscles supporting your joints
• Anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce pain and swelling
• Weight loss, as necessary, to reduce the strain on your joints
• Applying heat to the affected areas to reduce soreness and encourage vasodilation