Arthritis Specialist
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OrthoCare
Orthopedic Surgeons located in Harlingen, TX
If you live with stiff, swollen, painful joints, you might be one of the 54 million Americans with arthritis. Stephanie Baker, MD, diagnoses arthritis and offer personalized care at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas. The goal is to reduce your pain and help you get back to your regular activities. Don’t ignore joint pain. Call OrthoCare or schedule a consultation online today for expert care.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of over 100 different diseases that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in your joints. Some of the common symptoms of arthritis include:
- Stiff and swollen joints
- Chronic joint pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Skin that looks red or shiny
- Joint deformity
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It’s degenerative and develops when the cartilage that cushions and protects your joints wears away. Other common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus.
When should I talk to a doctor about arthritis?
As with many health issues, the earlier you start treatment, the better. If you’re having chronic joint pain, mobility problems, or any other signs of arthritis, make an appointment with the doctors at OrthoCare right away.
When you start treatment early, you can reduce the extent and severity of your joint pain. The doctors can also help you keep active so you can maintain your quality of life.
How do you diagnose arthritis?
The doctors at OrthoCare begin with a physical examination of your painful joints. They feel for signs of swelling and deformity and might test your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Your doctor also reviews your medical history and asks questions about your symptoms and lifestyle.
If necessary, your doctor orders diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs to evaluate the inside of your joint in more detail. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, they also order blood tests to collect more information about your health.
What are the available treatments for arthritis?
The doctors at OrthoCare carefully craft treatment plans to address your specific needs. They often combine approaches within your treatment plans to address your pain and joint health from multiple angles. Your treatment plan could include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Joint injections
- Regenerative medicine
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Nerve blocks
- Spinal cord stimulation
The doctors often include physical therapy in arthritis treatment plans. While exercise might seem like the last thing you want to do when you have joint pain, strengthening the muscles and connective tissue around your joint can reduce your pain and risk of future injury in the long run.
If you have chronic joint pain and are concerned about arthritis, call OrthoCare or make an appointment online today.
