Which Type of Arthritis is Causing You Pain?

20 June 2017
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20 June 2017, Comments: Comments Off on Which Type of Arthritis is Causing You Pain?

Though arthritis is often referred to as one single condition, it is actually an umbrella term for a variety of different joint problems that cause long-term pain and suffering. If any of your joints are causing you discomfort, it’s important to identify the type of arthritis that has developed in order to seek the most appropriate treatment. Though there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, the most common are outlined below.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

This type of arthritis develops when the cartilage meant to protect the joints gradually breaks down and leaves the bones exposed to each other. Without the cartilage there as a soft barrier, the bones rub against each other and cause severe pain during movement. It is estimated that a full one-third of adults with arthritis must limit their leisure activities and work habits due to the pain that this causes.  

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a bit different than osteoarthritis because it is actually triggered by the body’s own immune system attacking the joints as if they were dangerous foreign invaders. As RA causes the breakdown of more and more healthy tissue, the lining of the joints sustain extensive damage and the joints are left damaged and exposed.

Fibromyalgia

Unlike the other two common forms of arthritis, fibromyalgia is a central pain syndrome that forms when the brain and spinal cord start to process pain signals differently. This leads to widespread pain and other difficult symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, and mood swings.

Living with arthritis is undoubtedly difficult, but the good news is that medical centers like the Regenerative Orthopedic Institute in Tampa, Florida now offer patients treatment methods for arthritis that not only alleviate symptoms of pain and discomfort, but actually trigger cartilage growth and help the joints heal and become stronger. These non-surgical therapies like platelet-rich plasma and stem cell injections harness the body’s natural healing potential and make recovery possible without surgery or steroids. Call (813) 868-1659 to make your appointment at Regenerative Orthopedic Institute now!