Arthritis affects about 54 million Americans, and that prevalence means that effective arthritis care is a major priority of internal medicine doctors like Trung Pham, MD, in Randallstown, Maryland. At his solo practice, Dr. Pham customizes arthritis care plans including joint injections to help patients enjoy life again.

Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis encompasses a group of joint inflammation diseases. There are over 100 kinds of arthritis, and some of the most common are osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis is the most common reason for disability among Americans.

Arthritis can cause serious pain and stiffness, but thanks to today’s advanced treatments, it doesn’t have to keep you from living the life you want.

What causes arthritis?

The exact cause of arthritis varies based on the kind of arthritis. Sometimes there’s no clear cause. For the most common types of arthritis, the causes include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis often develops in older adults because it’s directly related to wear-and-tear of the cartilage surrounding your joints. As the cartilage wears down over the years, it can leave bone rubbing directly against bone. This results in serious pain and impaired motion.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis results when your immune system mistakes healthy joint tissue lining for damaged tissue. Your immune system then attacks that joint lining, causing major inflammation and swelling. Eventually, this prolonged attack can destroy cartilage and even bone.

Gout

Gout happens when you have too much uric acid in your body. This triggers the formation of urate crystals in certain joints, most often the big toe joint. These crystals can cause serious pain and swelling.

No matter why your arthritis occurs, it’s important to be proactive in managing it. Dr. Pham can help you prevent arthritis from worsening while treating current symptoms.

What is the best treatment for arthritis symptoms?

There are many treatments for arthritis, and Dr. Pham will work with you to determine what’s best for your needs. Treatment options include:

  • Topical creams for pain
  • Oral anti-inflammatory medications for pain
  • Physical therapy to help you strengthen muscle for better joint support
  • Joint injections to numb the pain and allow you to move normally again

With the right treatment and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy a full and happy life with arthritis.