Our Services / Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation and pain. Symptoms may be mild or severe and come and go but tend to worsen over time.

The joint pain and inflammation arthritis causes can affect any joint in the body, but most often occurs in the:

• Knees
• Hips
• Feet
• Spine
• Hands
• Neck
•  Shoulders

Arthritis is common, affecting about 50 million adults in the United States. 

Though often thought of as a single disease, arthritis is a general medical term for joint pain and inflammation. There are over 100 conditions that cause arthritis.

What are the common types of arthritis?

The more common types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs from the degeneration of the cartilage that separates the bones in the joint. This type of arthritis happens gradually over time as we age. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the lining of the joint. Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine has a rheumatology specialist on staff that diagnoses and treats rheumatoid arthritis. 

Gout

Gout is a metabolic type of arthritis. People with gout have high levels of uric acid in their blood, which crystallizes and settles in the joints, causing severe pain and inflammation. 

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that occurs in the lumbar spine or lower back. 

How is arthritis diagnosed?

When you visit Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine with concerns about arthritis, the team of health professionals conducts in-depth evaluations to determine the underlying cause of your joint pain and inflammation. 

Your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. They also run lab tests and imaging tests to confirm or rule out the type of arthritis you have. 

How is arthritis treated?

The team at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine takes a holistic and integrative approach to care. When treating arthritis, they focus on your overall health and well-being, not only your symptoms.

Treatment for your arthritis may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Nutrition therapy
• Joint injections
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Infusions

For autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, the team may recommend intravenous (IV) infusion therapy to reduce inflammation, pain, and joint damage.

When medical treatments fail to provide relief from arthritis pain, the team at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss joint surgery. 

To get help for arthritis, call Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine, or book an appointment online today.