Arthritis Care
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease or "wear and tear" arthritis, affects more than 20 million Americans, and is the most common form of more than 100 kinds of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis results when the protective cushion of cartilage covering the ends of the bones breaks down and wears away, causing irritation, stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but is most common in the hands, spine and especially the large weight bearing joints – the knees and hips.
In most cases, the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, and is referred to as "primary osteoarthritis." Primary osteoarthritis is related to aging and wear and tear. The cartilage may then become flaky and covered with tiny cracks. In advanced cases, the entire cushion of cartilage is lost, resulting in painful bone-on-bone contact.
When the cause of osteoarthritis is known, it is called "secondary osteoarthritis." Conditions and diseases that can lead to secondary osteoarthritis include obesity, trauma, diabetes, gout and congenital joint defects. With either primary or secondary osteoarthritis, the symptoms are the same. As the cartilage wears away, the nerves become irritated resulting in mild to severe pain.
Other symptoms include morning stiffness, a loss of easy movement, and heat and swelling of the affected joint. While there are no cures for arthritis, the past few years have seen dramatic new ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility and fatigue that are among its most disabling symptoms.
Arthritis pain can prevent you from doing the things you love, and can make even the simplest movements a challenge. The team of doctors, nurses and therapists at Merit Health River Region work together to find an arthritis treatment plan that meets your unique needs. If you and your doctor decide the surgery is the best course of action, we utilize minimally invasive surgical options whenever possible.
We provide a range of treatment options to help patients regain mobility and alleviate pain, including:
Specific treatment for osteoarthritis will be determined by you and your doctor based on the following:
- Your age, overall health and medical history
- Severity of the disease
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures and therapies
- Your opinion or preference
Whatever course you and your doctor decide, the goals of treatment are the same: to reduce joint pain and stiffness, and to improve joint movement.