Conditions we treat include:

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Bursitis and Tendonitis

Fibromyalgia
Gout
Joint Pain
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Pseudogout
Psoriatic Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scleroderma
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Vasculitis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis worldwide and affects men and women at a similar rate.

The chance of getting OA increases with: age (beginning in your 30's and 40's), being overweight or having had an injury to a joint in the past. Although any joint can be affected, it is mainly a disease of the knees, spine and hands. The cushion between the joints, or cartilage, breaks down. Over time the bones rub together causing further damage and pain. Inflammation can also accumulate in a joint causing more pain and stiffness.

OA cannot be cured, but if detected early, the chance of having less severe arthritis later on is greater. Weight management and regular strengthening exercises are the two most important strategies to focus on. Other treatments include anti-inflammatory medications/creams or medication injected directly into the joint. Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain and other injections containing hyaluronic acid can help rebuild cartilage providing pain relief for three to six months. Your rheumatologist can help you determine the most effective treatment, discuss some potential prevention strategies and monitor your progress over time.

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