Arthritis
-
- Tweet
Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine located in Santa Barbara, CA & Solvang, CA
Arthritis is a common condition that can limit your mobility and make it difficult to complete everyday tasks. Arthritis can affect anyone but is most common in women and occurs more frequently with age. At the Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon William Gallivan, MD, and his team provide personalized arthritis treatment, catered to the individual needs of each patient. To speak with Dr. Gallivan about your arthritis pain, book an appointment by phone or online today.
Arthritis
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is tenderness and swelling in one or more joints. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, which usually worsen as time goes on. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritisa degenerative condition that arises when the protective cartilage that covers the end of your bones gradually breaks down overtime. Once the cartilage wears down, the bones begin to rub against each other, thus often resulting in pain and stiffness. Although osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, it most commonly affects the joints in your knees, hips, spine and hands.
Some common risk factors for osteoarthritis include:
- Age
- Obesity
- Joint Injuries
- Bone deformities
- Family history
- Repeated Stress on the Joint
Without treatment, osteoarthritis and the symptoms you experience, will likely continue to progressively worsen over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in one or more joints. In rheumatoid arthritis your body’s immune system attacks the lining of your joints, which may cause pain, swelling and/or warmth of the joint(s).
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it’s believed to be genetic. Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in the small joints of the hands and feet and gradually spreads to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders.
Other types of arthritis include gout, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus.
How is arthritis treated?
A physical examination will be completed by Dr. Gallivan to evaluate the joint, specifically looking at the mobility of your joint. An X-ray image of the painful area may be obtained and reviewed by Dr. Gallivan.
Your condition is diagnosed using X-rays to look at the status of your joints and bones. Your doctor may also perform additional imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound.
Treatment for arthritis will likely depend on the severity of the arthritis and the amount of pain you are experiencing.
Treatment options may include:
- Physical Therapy
- Home Exercise Program
- Prescription and Nonprescription Medication
- Bracing/Immobilization
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections
- PRP Injection
- Stem Cell Therapy
- Cortisone Injection
- Surgical Intervention
Please call Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara to book an appointment with board-certified orthopedic surgeon, William Gallivan, MD.
