Arthritis Treatment in Huntsville, TX,
Many people assume that stiff, sore joints are just a normal part of getting older. In reality, these are often warning signs of arthritis, a condition that can be diagnosed and effectively treated. At Nabeel Khan, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Nabeel Khan and his team diagnose all types of arthritis and create personalized treatment plans to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help you stay active. You don’t have to live with painful, swollen joints. Call (936) 291-8205 today to schedule a consultation.
Book OnlineWhat Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 diseases that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It is one of the leading causes of disability among adults, and it can affect people of all ages, although the risk increases as you get older.
The most common type is osteoarthritis, which develops gradually as the cartilage that cushions and lubricates the ends of your bones wears away. Without that protective cushion, bones can rub against each other, causing pain and limiting movement. Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Other common types of arthritis include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, often affecting the same joints on both sides of the body.
- Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis that develops when excess uric acid in the blood forms crystals in a joint, frequently the big toe, triggering sudden and severe pain.
- Psoriatic arthritis: An inflammatory, autoimmune form of arthritis that affects some people who have the skin condition psoriasis.
- Lupus: An autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and inflammation along with symptoms in the skin, kidneys, and other organs.
What Are the Warning Signs of Arthritis?
Joint pain is the hallmark symptom of arthritis. Other common signs include:
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest
- Swelling around one or more joints
- Redness or warmth over the affected joint
- Decreased range of motion
- A grinding or clicking sensation when you move
- Fatigue, particularly with autoimmune forms of arthritis
Over time, the combination of pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility can make it harder to walk, climb stairs, work, or enjoy your favorite activities. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow joint damage and protect your quality of life.
What Causes Arthritis?
The different types of arthritis have different causes. Your family medical history can influence your risk, and your lifestyle can play a significant role as well. Common risk factors include:
- Obesity, which places extra stress on weight-bearing joints
- Dietary choices, particularly for gout
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Previous joint injuries
- Aging
- A family history of arthritis or autoimmune disease
Autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, may not have a single identifiable cause. Dr. Khan can talk with you about your specific condition and risk factors during your consultation. Because arthritis often occurs alongside other chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, he considers your overall health when planning your care.
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?
Dr. Khan begins with a thorough physical exam and a detailed conversation about your symptoms and medical history. He carefully examines your joints for swelling, tenderness, warmth, and changes in range of motion. In many cases, arthritis can be identified by visible and palpable signs.
To determine the specific type of arthritis, he may order additional testing, such as:
- X-rays or MRI scans to evaluate cartilage loss, bone changes, and joint damage
- Blood tests to check for inflammatory markers and signs of rheumatoid arthritis
- Uric acid testing to help diagnose gout
Many blood tests can be completed right in our building, since lab services are available on-site for your convenience.
How Is Arthritis Treated?
While many types of arthritis cannot be cured, the right treatment can significantly reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. Following your diagnosis, Dr. Khan tailors a treatment plan to your specific condition and needs. Depending on your diagnosis, he may 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 regular low-impact exercise to strengthen the muscles that support your joints. If you have autoimmune arthritis, he may prescribe biologics, which are medications designed to modify your immune system’s response and reduce ongoing inflammation.
Expert Arthritis Care in Huntsville, TX,
Arthritis care works best as an ongoing partnership. Regular follow-up visits allow Dr. Khan to monitor your symptoms, check how well your treatment is working, and make adjustments as needed. Routine physical exams also help identify joint changes early. To explore other conditions we treat, visit our internal medicine services page.
If joint pain and stiffness are holding you back, call Nabeel Khan, MD at (936) 291-8205 or request an appointment online for expert, personalized arthritis treatment that helps restore your comfort and mobility.
Arthritis FAQs
What is the most common type of arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It develops gradually as the protective cartilage at the ends of your bones wears down, most often in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
What are the early signs of arthritis?
Early signs of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness after rest or in the morning, swelling, warmth or redness around a joint, and a reduced range of motion.
Can an internal medicine doctor treat arthritis?
Yes. Dr. Khan diagnoses and treats many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, using medications, injections, physical therapy, and lifestyle guidance.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Arthritis is diagnosed through a physical exam, a review of your symptoms and medical history, and tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and blood work to identify the specific type.
Can arthritis be cured?
Most types of arthritis cannot be cured, but treatment can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease.
Does losing weight help arthritis?
Yes. Losing excess weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, which can ease pain and help slow joint damage.
Is exercise safe if I have arthritis?
In most cases, yes. Regular low-impact exercise can strengthen the muscles that support your joints and improve flexibility. Dr. Khan can recommend activities that are safe for your condition.