Arthritis
Arthritis Services Offered In Irving, TX
Aching, swollen joints may be a sign of arthritis, a chronic condition that makes it hard to go through your regular daily routines with ease. Help is available through the care of experienced physicians and clinical staff at Vcare in Irving, Texas. Take the first step today by booking a visit online or over the phone, and move closer to healthy, pain-free joints.
Arthritis Q&A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single condition but a term used to refer to more than 100 different conditions. All forms of arthritis affect your joints, and many share the same basic characteristics.
You can develop arthritis at any age, although older people are more likely to experience the condition. It affects both sexes, but women have higher rates than men. Some forms of arthritis can lead to permanent changes in the affected joints.
While there is no clear way to prevent arthritis, you can reduce your risk of developing the condition by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, refraining from excessive alcohol consumption, and choosing a diet low in sugar.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Understanding the signs of arthritis can help you know when to schedule a diagnostic assessment. Some of the changes you might notice that indicate arthritis include:
- Stiff joints
- Joint pain
- Swollen joints
- Decreased range of motion in joints
- Redness in the skin surrounding joints
If these conditions develop, schedule a diagnostic exam right away. Early intervention is the best way to reduce discomfort and improve joint function. Lab testing and imaging, in addition to a physical exam, are all tools used to determine which type of arthritis you may have.
Are there treatments that can relieve arthritis symptoms?
Medication might play a role in your treatment journey. There are many different drugs to choose from, and it might take more than one medication to improve your symptoms.
Some drugs help reduce discomfort within the joint, while others focus on controlling inflammation. Certain medications can slow the progression of some types of arthritis.
The Vcare team may recommend p to help you improve your range of motion in arthritic joints. Targeted exercises also strengthen the muscles around your joints to better support your body and reduce your risk of injury.
You might also find relief from painful and swollen joints by periodically using heat pads or cold packs. Assistive devices like canes, walkers, shoe inserts, and raised toilet seats can make day-to-day tasks easier to manage.
Don’t accept the changes brought on by arthritis as inevitable when there are treatments that can help. Call Vcare to schedule a one-on-one consultation, or choose online booking as an option, which allows you to schedule from home, any time of day or night.
