When a person has a healthy amount of cartilage, normal pressure can be applied to the joints without causing any discomfort. As the cartilage wears down and the joints lose their protective covering, the bones move against each other, resulting in pain, inflammation, and rigidness. This health problem is known as arthritis, a debilitating condition for millions of Americans. At our Frisco spine center, we diagnose and treat arthritic patients throughout Texas. 

Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis can affect many areas of the body, including the back, neck, arms, legs, hands, and fingers. The following symptoms are associated with arthritis:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness of the joints
• Swelling or inflammation of the joints
• Joint rigidity in the morning
• Warm joints

Arthritis Causes

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, each with its specific causes and risks factors. In general, the causes and risk factors of arthritis include:
The aging process, which results in gradual wear and tear of the joints

• Overactive immune system or autoimmune disease
• Past joint injury
• Bacterial or viral infection
• Obesity
• Family history of the condition
• Gender, as females are more likely to develop arthritis than men

Types

At Frisco Spine, we treat arthritic conditions that result in chronic neck, back, leg, and arm pain. The types of arthritis that we diagnose and treat includes:

• Osteoarthritis:Osteoarthritis results when cartilage wears down as a result of aging, obesity, infection, or injury. Although the condition cannot be cured, lifestyle changes and treatment can help patients manage the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Most patients develop osteoarthritis around the age of 55.
• Rheumatoid arthritis:Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the body's healthy tissues. In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, smaller joints, such as those in the hands and feet are affected. As the condition progresses, the symptoms spread to the ankles, knees, elbows, back, neck, hips, and shoulders. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is intended to prevent further deterioration of joint cartilage and control the symptoms associated with the condition. Most patients develop rheumatoid arthritis between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Facet arthropathy:The facet joints are located along a person's spine. When arthritis affects the facet joints, it can cause significant discomfort for the patient. Natural wearing of the cartilage, past back injuries, spinal fractures, disc problems, and ligament damage causes facet arthropathy.

Treatments

To accurately diagnose your arthritic condition and the extent of damage to the joints, we will perform a physical exam and take X-rays of the affected area. After we have gathered this information, our Frisco non-surgical spine treatment specialists can formulate your personal treatment plan, which may include the use of:

• Oral medications
• Steroid injections
• Anti-inflammatory injections
• Physical therapy
• Joint replacement surgery

Contact Frisco Spine

If your arthritis is affecting your quality of life, contact Frisco Spine to schedule an appointment with us. We are committed to finding effective treatment solutions for the chronic pain caused by arthritis.  Your initial appointment with us will include a physical evaluation and X-rays.