Don’t let arthritis stop you from living life to its fullest. If you are suffering from arthritis symptoms and arthritis pain, please call us now.
According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis afflicts 1 in 4 American adults, or 54.4 million people.
Milwaukee Advanced Foot & Ankle Clinic in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Mexton Deacon, DPM, provides personalized arthritis treatment. We offer nonsurgical and surgical methods to improve your joint function and, in turn, your overall quality of life.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term that covers a group of over 100 diseases that means inflammation of one or more of your joints. If you have an arthritis, an area in or around a joint becomes inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. This inflammation can lead to tissue damage if left untreated.
The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage on the ends of your bones to break down and deteriorate, making the bones rub against each other. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that negatively affects the lining of your joints in any part of the body but most often involves the hands, wrists, and knees.
Generally, arthritis worsens with age and neglect. But there are a variety of treatments that can help significantly reduce your symptoms and relieve your pain.
What are common signs and symptoms of arthritis?
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of arthritis to look out for include:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Swelling of your joints
- Redness
What causes arthritis?
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing arthritis, including:
Age
Many types of arthritis increase as you get older.
Gender
Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more at risk for gout.
Family history
Having parents or siblings with arthritis can increase your risk of having arthritis.
Joint problems
Previous joint injuries can leave your joints susceptible to arthritis.
Obesity
Carrying excess weight can place added stress on your joints.
How is arthritis treated?
Before any treatment, Dr. Deacon first performs a comprehensive physical exam. This is to learn more about your condition and discuss your symptoms with you. After consultation, he will closely work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Deacon offers conservative treatment methods, such as prescribed pain-relieving medications and physical therapy to relieve joint issues since each arthritis case requires a personalized treatment plan. We also tailor your physical therapy program, so it’s optimized for you.
If conservative treatments don’t prove effective, or if a case of arthritis is particularly severe, Dr. Deacon may suggest surgery to repair or replace a joint.
Learn More
To learn more about arthritis and personalized treatment plans, please feel free to contact us.