If pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion make everyday tasks feel uncomfortable, you can turn to Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Madison, Jackson, and Flowood, Mississippi. Orthopedic hand surgeon and upper extremity specialist Nicholas Jew, MD, and his team diagnose and treat arthritis in your thumbs, fingers, wrists, and elbows. Schedule an appointment by phone or book online today.
Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes tenderness and swelling in your joints. Common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks tissues in your joints. Osteoarthritis, including thumb osteoarthritis, leads to the breakdown of tissues that cover the ends of your bones. Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs with too much uric acid buildup.
If you have arthritis, you might experience one or more of the following symptoms:
In some cases, joints affected by arthritis become twisted or deformed. While arthritis is a chronic (long-lasting) condition, treatment with Dr. Jew can offer symptom relief and prevent it from worsening.
Arthritis is a common condition, especially in older age. Other risk factors include a family history of arthritis, previous joint injuries, and being overweight or obese. Women are more likely to experience rheumatoid arthritis, while gout is more common among men.
To diagnose the type and severity of arthritis, Dr. Jew discusses your symptoms and medical history. He completes a physical exam, checks your joints for swelling, and assesses the joint’s range of motion.
He might recommend you undergo blood tests, urine tests, or joint fluid analysis. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds can also help Dr. Jew evaluate your joint health and develop a treatment plan for arthritis.
Based on the type and severity of your arthritis, Dr. Jew may suggest:
Weight loss, regular exercise, and using heat or ice packs can reduce symptoms of arthritis. You might also wear a splint or brace in some cases.
Taking oral or topical medications can alleviate inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Medicines can also prevent the worsening of arthritic joint damage.
Physical therapy is useful for certain types of arthritis. Exercises and stretching can strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve your range of motion.
In severe arthritis cases, Dr. Jew may suggest you undergo surgical procedures to repair, fuse, or replace joints affected by arthritis. He offers minimally invasive surgery under local anesthesia and uses the latest advances in technology and techniques.
Don’t live with arthritis pain when treatment at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center can offer you symptom relief. Call the office for an appointment or book online today.
