Here’s what you should know about arthritis.

Over 54 million Americans (or 23 percent of American adults) have arthritis. Out of those 54 million, 1 in 4 experience severe joint pain. Arthritis refers to a group of chronic and progressive conditions that cause inflammation, pain and stiffness in certain joints of the body. If left untreated arthritis can also cause severe damage. Whether our Woodbridge, VA, physician Dr. Deana Al-Khateeb has just diagnosed you with arthritis or you are concerned that your symptoms could be due to arthritis, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about arthritis.

What are the most common types of arthritis?

While there are over 100 different kinds of arthritis the three most common types include,

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis

Who is at risk for developing arthritis?

While anyone can develop arthritis there are certain factors such as genetics, lifestyle and age that can also increase your risk. While arthritis is often found in older adults, this condition can also affect children. Risk factors include,

• A family history of arthritis
• Your age (older individuals are at an increased risk for arthritis)
• Your gender (women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis while men are more likely to develop gout than women)
• Past joint injuries

Are there ways to prevent arthritis?

While certain factors such as genetics and age cannot be altered, there are still steps you can take to prevent joint injuries including proper training, conditioning, stretching and strengthening exercises.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms associated with arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and redness. Symptoms may affect mobility or range of motion. While any joints can be affected by arthritis the most commonly affected joints are the hands, wrists, ankles, feet and shoulders.

When should I see a doctor?

If you notice regular joint pain and stiffness that doesn’t go away, then you’ll want to see a doctor for an evaluation. The sooner arthritis is diagnosed the sooner we can prevent joint damage and other symptoms from getting worse.

Is arthritis curable?

There is not a cure for arthritis but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t effective treatment options to help you manage your symptoms. Our Woodbridge, VA, family physician is dedicated to helping each and every patient with arthritis live a happy, healthy life while managing their symptoms and preventing joint damage.

What are my treatment options?

Treating arthritis usually requires a variety of traditional and alternative treatment options including,

• Medication to control pain and slow joint damage
• Physical therapy
• Appropriate exercise and physical activity
• Chiropractic care
• Vitamins and supplements
• Surgery (in severe cases)

Ridgeview Internal Medicine offers both in-office and telehealth appointments to make it easier for our patients to manage their arthritis symptoms and get prescription refills without having to leave the house. To schedule an appointment with our Woodbridge, VA, physician please call (703) 494-4116.