Arthritis

There are many different types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is degenerative or osteoarthritis. This is what we typically see in the older patient as the joints �wear out�. Oftentimes osteoarthritis can be seen earlier in life due to joint problems that cause the joint to degenerate more quickly than normal. While the damage done to the joint cannot be reversed, the pain is often due to irritation and inflammation in the joint and we have treatments to help limit these and make the joints less sore.

Other more serious types of arthritis such as rheumatoid, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, and others are caused by a dysfunction in the immune system which causes the body the attack its own joints. These types of arthritis often have effects on not only the joints but the internal organs as well. In these cases it is important that we treat not only the pains but the entire person. There are often nutritional, hormonal and biochemical changes that can be made to control this process.