Arthritis Specialist

Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians

Primary Care Physicians located in Temecula, CA

Is joint pain slowing you down? Get help with joint pain, stiffness, and swelling at Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians in Temecula, California. With more than 30 years of experience, the medical team effectively diagnoses and treats many causes of joint pain, including arthritis. The doctors want to help so you don’t have to suffer from discomfort or avoid activities you love. Call Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians or schedule an appointment online today to get started.

951-221-0590

Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is the medical term for a group of conditions that cause joint pain and joint disease. Arthritis is very common and is the leading cause of disability in America.

Symptoms include joint swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. While there is no single cause, the inflammation associated with arthritis can cause permanent joint damage.

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. For some types of arthritis, you’ll have pain in a specific joint due to wear and tear. Other types of arthritis cause joint problems on both sides of the body.

What are the types of arthritis?

While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, each type can be classified into a category. These categories are:

Degenerative arthritis

This type is most common and is sometimes called osteoarthritis. Wear and tear and repetitive motions cause damage to joints.

Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis occurs when your immune system creates too many inflammatory chemicals that attack joint tissues and cause damage. This category includes psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Infectious arthritis

If a bacteria, virus, or fungus enters a joint, it can cause inflammation and serious structural damage very quickly. Infectious arthritis requires immediate attention to avoid serious complications.

Metabolic arthritis

Also known as gout, metabolic arthritis occurs when your body cannot break down uric acid, which then deposits into joints, like your big toe. Uric acid comes from foods like red meat, alcohol, certain cheeses, and seafood.

What factors lead to an arthritis diagnosis?

To diagnose arthritis, your doctor asks about your medical history, symptoms, and other medical conditions. Then your doctor performs a physical exam and specifically examines the affected joint or joints.

Additional testing may include X-rays and blood tests. Your doctor pinpoints the cause of your arthritis to give you an accurate diagnosis.

What are the treatment options for arthritis?

Once your doctor identifies your type of arthritis, he provides appropriate treatment options. To relieve joint discomfort, weight loss can be helpful. Dietary changes may also be needed to reduce uric acid or general inflammation in your body.

Medications — like over-the-counter pain relievers — can often help. In severe cases, your doctor gives you steroid injections to target localized joint inflammation. Some prescription medications are also available to help with different types of arthritis.

If you’re suffering from joint pain and stiffness, get help now at Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians. Call or schedule an appointment online today.