Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a collection of diseases that cause inflammation and pain in your joints. The most common type of the disease is osteoarthritis. It develops as the cartilage that cushions and lubricates your joints wears away. 

Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis are other common types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are autoimmune conditions. Psoriatic arthritis is an infectious form of the disease. Gout develops when excess uric acid in your blood accumulates in a joint.

What are the warning signs of arthritis?

Joint pain is the hallmark symptom of arthritis. Your affected joint also swells and becomes stiff. It might become red. Over time, the pain and stiffness can reduce the mobility of the joint. The combination of pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility can negatively impact your life. 

What causes arthritis?

The different types of arthritis have varying causes. Your family medical history can affect your risk of developing the condition. Your lifestyle can also influence your chance of getting arthritis. Common risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Dietary choices
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Previous joint injuries
• Aging
  
  

Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus might not have identifiable causes. You can ask Dr. Khan about your specific condition during your consultation.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Khan begins with a thorough physical exam, including a conversation about your symptoms and medical history. He carefully examines your joints and can often identify arthritis by visible and palpable signs. 

He might also order testing to identify the specific type of arthritis. For example, an X-ray or MRI can provide a lot of information about your joint. Dr. Khan might also order blood tests to check for signs of rheumatoid arthritis and gout. 

How is arthritis treated?

Following your diagnosis, Dr. Khan tailors a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. Depending on your specific condition, he might recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Topical creams
• Physical therapy
  
  

Dr. Khan may also recommend lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes, weight loss, and daily exercise. If you have autoimmune arthritis, he may prescribe biologics — medications designed to modify your immunologic response. 

Call Nabeel A. Khan, MD, today or make an appointment online for expert, personalized treatment to reduce arthritis symptoms and restore your joint health and mobility.