Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to inflammation in your joints. It includes more than 100 different conditions that all cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Your risk for arthritis increases with age and weight gain. It can develop in any joint in your body and is common in the:

• Knees
• Hips
• Back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Hands, wrists, and fingers
• Ankles, feet, and toes

Arthritis often affects your body’s large, weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Dr. Muradov is fellowship-trained in hip and knee replacement surgery, including minimally invasive procedures.

What are the most common types of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis, is the most common type, followed by rheumatoid arthritis:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, develops from daily wear and tear that gradually breaks down cartilage. Cartilage at the end of each bone in the joint provides a cushion that allows the bones to move freely.  

As you lose cartilage, bones inside the joint rub against each other, causing pain, loss of motion, and inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that begins with inflammation and swelling in tissues surrounding the joint. The inflammation gradually erodes bones and leads to joint deformity. 

The inflammation can also spread throughout your body, damaging other systems such as your skin, eyes, and blood vessels.

Post-traumatic arthritis

About 12% of all cases of arthritis develop from a previous joint injury, which makes post-traumatic arthritis one of the top causes of joint disability.

*Can natural supplements treat arthritis symptoms?

Certain natural supplements contain powerful bioactive compounds with impressive medicinal effects. Two good supplement options for arthritis sufferers are:

Turmeric

Turmeric has a long history as both a cooking spice and a natural medicinal herb. The most important active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory with powerful antioxidant effects. 

Multiple studies have shown pure curcumin supplements, with good bioavailability, work just as well as anti-inflammatory drugs — minus the side effects. Top-of-the-line curcumin supplements have an ingredient called piperine, which boosts efficacy even further.

Glucosamine and chondroitin

A liquid glucosamine and chondroitin supplement delivers crucial nutrients directly to your joint cartilage. This boosts joint flexibility and fights off stiffness the natural way. 

Glucosamine and chondroitin may also form a shield that helps to repel damaging enzymes, thus preserving your joints, easing pain, and enhancing mobility. 

These supplements are all-natural, and thus safe to take together or separately.

How is arthritis treated?

Treatment for arthritis often begins with physical therapy to improve mobility and alleviate pain and swelling. The team at Integrity Orthopedics works with you to develop an exercise plan that keeps you active while also balancing the need to minimize joint strain. Weight management often plays a role in alleviating arthritis symptoms. 

Patients with knee arthritis often benefit from an assistive device like a brace or a cane. Dr. Muradov may also prescribe medications to treat pain and relieve swelling. Some types of arthritis have specific medications. For example, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs help stop rheumatoid arthritis from worsening.

Dr. Muradov also administers injections to relieve arthritis symptoms, including ultrasound-guided cortisone injections and orthobiologics like hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

If your joint pain persists despite nonoperative treatments, Dr. Muradov may recommend surgery, such as minimally invasive arthroscopy or total joint replacement.

For advanced expertise in arthritis treatment, call Integrity Orthopedics, or book an appointment online today.