Half of adults over age 65 have arthritis, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, reducing your quality of life without the proper care. If you’re looking for expert care for your arthritis, Apollo Pain Management in Sun City Center, Florida, provides medications, injections, and more to help you enjoy a more active life. The practice’s physician, R. James Warren, MD, is an interventional pain management specialist. Find out more today by calling or booking an appointment online.
book onlineWhat is arthritis?
A common, treatable condition, arthritis is an inflammation of one joint or several. The surfaces of all the joints in your body are lined with cartilage, a smooth tissue that cushions your bones and reduces friction. Arthritis most commonly appears when the cartilage wears out.
Arthritis can affect any joint in your body, but it’s especially common in weight-bearing joints like your hip, knee, and spine. Other common sites include:
- Hands
- Fingers
- Elbows
- Shoulders
Depending on the site of your arthritis, it can be difficult to perform simple activities, such as climbing stairs and holding a pen.
What are the types of arthritis?
Of the more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear form of the disease that most commonly appears after age 50
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic form of the disease caused by an autoimmune disorder where your body attacks your joints and tissues
At Apollo Pain Management, Dr. Warren determines which form of arthritis you have when he diagnoses your condition.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Dr. Warren takes a thorough medical history and performs a physical exam, looking for signs of redness, swelling, and warmth in your joints. He might ask you to perform certain movements to help him evaluate your range of motion and strength.
Dr. Warren typically recommends testing your blood or urine or doing diagnostic imaging tests like:
- X-rays
- A computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- An ultrasound (also known as a sonogram)
In some cases, he might take a sample of your joint fluid to test. To do this, he numbs the area around your joint and extracts a bit of fluid through a needle and syringe.
How is arthritis treated?
Dr. Warren creates a treatment plan based on the severity and site of your arthritis. He can recommend:
- A splint to rest your joint and relieve inflammation
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — oral medications or creams to lessen pain and inflammation
- Injections like prednisone and cortisone to relieve inflammation around the joint
If you’re experiencing arthritis pain, Dr. Warren is an interventional pain management specialist who recommends the right treatment for you. Call today to find out more or book a consultation online at Apollo Pain Management.