Arthritis is a common ailment in adults. It causes stiffness and pain in your joints and sometimes swelling. This can be increasingly debilitating or stay the same throughout your life, but arthritis usually requires some sort of pain management treatment. There are three types of arthritis, all with their own signs and causes. The two most common are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

This is a degenerative disease, meaning it will continue to worsen as you age. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage wears away. Most patients experience aching pain during normal tasks, stiffness in the morning or after resting or reduced motion in your joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks your joints. Patients will usually see inflammation and lumps called “rheumatoid nodules.” Your pain may come all at once, or gradually increase over time. It is very important to have the inflamed joints treated to avoid permanent damage.

Don’t go long without receiving treatment for arthritis. If you are feeling severe pain in your joints during normal activity, or without any activity, call the Specialists in Pain Management in Ooltewah at 423-362-7777