Arthritis Specialist
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Kudos Medical
Board Certified Internal Medicine located in Chittenango, NY & Dewitt, NY
About 23% of Americans –– more than 54 million people –– have arthritis. Though common, arthritis can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life, making routine tasks like getting dressed, going to work, or running errands painful. Board-certified internal medicine physician Ife Ojugbeli, MD, and the team at Kudos Medical in Chittenango and Dewitt, New York, regularly work with men and women to diagnose and treat arthritis. To request your appointment, call the office or book online today.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe more than 100 chronic ailments that cause swelling, pain, and irritation in the joints.
There’s no cure for arthritis, but lifestyle changes and medication management can ease symptoms, improve mobility, and prevent further complications.
Anyone can develop arthritis, but it’s especially common in middle-aged and older people. One of the most common types, osteoarthritis, is a direct result of natural wear-and-tear and the breakdown of cartilage, a soft cushion-like substance that pads and supports the joints.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The symptoms of arthritis depend on the type and its severity, but there are telltale signs to watch out for, including:
- Pain
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
As arthritis progresses, you might also experience difficulty straightening your affected limb or staying mobile. Many people with arthritis find it difficult to walk, run, or climb stairs.
Who is at risk of arthritis?
Arthritis affects people of all ages and races, but certain factors put you at risk. These include:
- Having a family history of arthritis
- Experiencing a previous joint injury
- Being overweight
- Exposure to certain triggers, like cigarette smoke
Your gender also plays a role. For example, men are more likely to experience gout, while women are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the process for diagnosing arthritis?
At Kudos Medical, an arthritis diagnosis starts with a thorough physical exam, review of your medical history, and a discussion of your symptoms.
During your appointment, your Kudos Medical provider also checks your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth. They also have you perform a series of easy exercises to determine your range of motion.
Your provider also orders laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging, like an X-ray or MRI, to determine the type of arthritis.
What are treatments for arthritis?
Treatment for arthritis depends on the seriousness of your symptoms and how they’re affecting your daily routine.
When possible, the providers at Kudos Medical recommend healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight, quitting smoking, and eating a balanced diet. They might also recommend physical therapy or light stretching to encourage circulation and mobility.
If your pain persists or gets worse, your Kudos Medical provider might recommend prescription medications like counterirritants, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or biologic response modifiers. If your mobility is decreasing, surgical intervention, like a joint replacement, may be necessary.
To learn more about your treatment options for arthritis make an appointment at Kudos Medical by calling the office or booking online today.
