Arthritis

Arthritis causes joint swelling and pain for an estimated 53.2 million Americans. When you’re no longer able to control the symptoms on your own, you can rely on high-quality arthritis care at Palm Beach Pain Institute. Nonsurgical treatments address osteoarthritis and other forms of the disease. Board-certified pain management specialist Marcie Merson, MD, personalizes treatment plans to ease symptoms and prevent arthritis from getting worse. Call the office in Delray Beach, Florida, to schedule an arthritis consultation, or book an appointment online today. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects the health and function of your joints. Among more than 100 forms of arthritis, here are three of the most common:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that lines the end of your joint bones breaks down and wears away. Without protective cartilage, your bones can rub together and create friction, which in turn triggers inflammation and pain.

Post-traumatic arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that results after a severe or recurring injury to a specific joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes stiffness and swelling, especially in the knees, hips, shoulders, and spine. 

Palm Beach Pain Institute provides comprehensive arthritis care for adults and adolescents. Dr. Merson focuses on relieving chronic pain and restoring the function of damaged joints.

When should I seek medical attention for arthritis?

In early stages of arthritis, you may be able to manage mild swelling and joint discomfort with over-the-counter medications and activity modification.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Palm Beach Pain Institute if you experience persistent arthritis symptoms that interfere with your mobility, such as:

• Joint soreness or pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Loss of range of motion in affected joints

Spinal arthritis can also cause pain that radiates into your lower back, neck, arms, and legs.

Diagnosing arthritis involves a physical exam, bloodwork, and X-rays or other imaging tests. Dr. Merson may also draw a sample of fluid from a swollen joint for further evaluation under a microscope.

Based on your type of arthritis and the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Merson tailors a pain management plan to fulfill your needs.

How is arthritis treated?

When over-the-counter medications and rest aren’t enough to relieve arthritis pain and swelling, Dr. Merson can use strategies like:

• Prescription pain relievers
• Ice therapy
• Heat therapy
• Joint injections

Dr. Merson can recommend specific exercises you can do at home to keep your joints flexible. You might also benefit from physical therapy to improve your overall musculoskeletal health and preserve your mobility.

When your arthritis is severe, and your joint is no longer functional, Dr. Merson can discuss your options for surgery to replace part or all of the damaged joint.

Call Palm Beach Pain Institute to schedule an arthritis evaluation or book an appointment online today.