Professional Diagnosis and Care for Arthritis Arthritis refers to pain, stiffness or disease in the joints. Often, the term arthritis is a catch-all for pain occurring in the joints. Patients of all ages can experience arthritis symptoms tied to specific types of arthritis. However, the condition appears more frequently in older patients with symptoms worsening as patients age. 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬? ✅ Obesity and excess body weight ✅ Infection ✅ Joint injuries ✅ Repetitive joint use, like with a job or sport that requires repetitive motion ✅ Smoking tobacco ✅ Aging ✅ Specific genes Managing modifiable risks factors, like smoking or obesity, can help reduce the occurrence or severity of arthritis symptoms. 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 Finding an accurate diagnosis for arthritis begins with a physical examination of the impacted joints. From there, lab tests may help narrow the type of arthritis and confirm the diagnosis. Blood, joint fluid and urine tests aid in diagnosis. Imaging also provides valuable information, including bone loss, damage or spurs. CT scans, MRIs and ultrasound help achieve an accurate diagnosis and track disease progression. Different treatment options help address pain and joint function based on the specific type of arthritis. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications help with pain management. Oral and topical NSAIDs help with both pain and inflammation. Your doctor may recommend or prescribe other medications as needed to manage both pain and function. Some patients find physical therapy helps to increase the range of motion and strengthen the joints. Other treatment options include surgery and lifestyle changes. We work with each patient to develop the best treatment plan for your specific condition and symptoms. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 Founders Family Medicine treats patients with arthritis at our Castle Rock clinic. We offer both in-clinic and telehealth appointments based on your specific treatment plan and needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment for arthritis care. 🕿 (303) 688-8666 🌐 www.foundersfamilymedicine.com #arthritistreatment #urgentcare #health