Arthritis Care

Does your body creak when you get out of a chair? Then you may be one of the 25% of people who has trouble moving around due to the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. You should make an appointment with Healthonomic Primary Care in Orland Park, Illinois. Call today to setup an appointment.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is a type of joint inflammation that can be brought on by age, gender, and genetics. The older you get, the more likely you are to have arthritis. Also, women are more likely to suffer from it than men, and if a close family member has the problem, then your chances of having it are significantly increased.

Your weight and job, as well as any injuries you have sustained to your joints, including infections, can exacerbate the condition. If you’re overweight or obese, you place more pressure on your joints, and this can lead to inflammation. The same is true if you have a job where you repeat the same motions over and over, or if a previous injury or illness damaged your joints.

Regardless of the cause, we can help you alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.

What are the different types of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is caused by damage to the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones, which is called cartilage. With enough damage, it can result in the two bones grinding together at the joint, causing pain and restricted movement. Joint injury or infection can exacerbate the problem.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing them to become inflamed and swollen. It often accompanies lupus and other autoimmune disorders.

What can be done if you have arthritis?

If you suspect that you have arthritis, then you should make an appointment with us. We can help you manage the disease and its symptoms. We can prescribe painkillers or creams, and may also recommend physical therapy, joint splinting or even joint replacement surgery if the joint is severely damaged.

If you don’t have the condition taken care of, it can lead to difficulty doing daily tasks, including walking and sitting up straight. Additionally, joints may become twisted and deformed.

It’s vital to be under our care, because your eyes, heart, or skin, can also be affected. We can help monitor your condition.

For help controlling your arthritis, call or go online today to make an appointment.