Arthritis Symptoms and Joint Replacement

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Article featured on Mass General Brigham

What is Arthritis?

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are conditions that can affect your joints and cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, this can cause cartilage damage. Cartilage is a smooth tissue that protects the movement of the joint. As arthritis progresses, the cartilage continues to break down, causing more pain and reduced range of motion.

What are common arthritis symptoms?

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Pain
  • Limited range of movement

Managing arthritis pain

There are nonsurgical options available if you want to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Eating healthy foods and losing weight can be a good place to start. “One pound off the body is 4 pounds off the hip and knee. I always tell patients to celebrate when they take 1 pound off, because that’s 4 pounds off of all their joints. This makes them feel better and can help them move better too,” says Dr. Chen.

Other non-surgical treatment options include:

  • Over-the-counter medications, to manage the pain
  • Joint injections like steroids or hyaluronic gel
  • Low-impact strength training to strengthen the muscles to support your joints

Arthritis and joint replacement

“If your joint pain persists after trying these options, and you can’t do your daily activities, it might be time for you to get your joint replaced,” says Dr. Chen.

The most common arthritis joint replacement procedures are:

  • Hip replacement
  • Knee replacement
  • Partial knee replacement (depending on where your arthritis is located)

Hip replacement surgery

If you have hip arthritis, the cartilage in the ball and socket joint wears away. During a hip replacement, your surgeon makes an opening from the front, the side, or the back of your hip. They remove the ball and resurface the socket. They then place a new socket, liner, ball, and stem in your hip.

Knee replacement surgery

If you have knee arthritis, the cartilage between your thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap wears away. During a knee replacement, your surgeon makes an opening to the front of the knee. They remove the damaged cartilage, replace it with metal, and add a plastic insert in the middle of the joint that allows your knee to glide smoothly. Depending on where your arthritis is located, your surgeon also may remove the back part of your kneecap and replace it with plastic.

Joint replacement surgery recovery

Everyone’s recovery is different, but most patients can walk with an assistive walking device immediately after their surgery. These devices can include:

  • Walkers
  • Canes
  • Crutches

“The most important thing to do is to move as much as possible after surgery,” Dr. Chen says. “Walking is a great option. Not only does it make your mobility better, but it also reduces your risk of blood clots.”

Following surgery, you need to do exercises either on your own or with a physical therapist. A physical therapist can develop a routine targeted to your needs to help you recover from your surgery.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Treating Hand Arthritis Without Surgery

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Article featured on American Society for Surgery of the Hand

What is arthritis?

A joint is where two or more bones meet each other. The ends of these bones are covered with a smooth substance called cartilage which allows the bones to slide past each other smoothly. This cartilage layer can be worn away with time or due to other things, and when this occurs the rough bone ends start to rub against each other. This is arthritis. Sometimes arthritis does not cause any problems, but sometimes it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.

What causes arthritis?

The most common causes of arthritis are different for different locations in the body. The normal arthritis that often comes along with age is called osteoarthritis. This is simply arthritis that occurs due to normal wear and tear on the body as we get older. Often this type of arthritis is partially hereditary, meaning that if your parents or grandparents had arthritis, you may be more likely to have it. Other things can cause arthritis as well. These include major joint injuries or infections, and certain medical conditions.

Just because you have arthritis doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a problem. Many people have arthritis that they don’t even know about. Arthritis only needs treatment if it bothers you or causes issues in the body.

My hand arthritis hurts! How can I treat it?

Once arthritis is present, it will always be there. This is because the body can’t regrow the type of cartilage found in the joints. But there is good news: just because arthritis is in the body doesn’t mean it will always cause pain or other issues. Even if arthritis causes pain, the pain may not be there all the time- it can often come and go. There are many things we can do to try to improve arthritis symptoms when they occur. Conservative management of arthritis- meaning treatment without surgery- is almost always the first step. There are many options to try. Usually these treatments work best when they are used all together over several weeks or months.

  • Splints: resting the inflamed joint with a splint, also called a brace or “orthosis”, can be very helpful in improving arthritis symptoms in certain places in the hand, especially arthritis in the base of the thumb. Splints may be “pre-fabricated”, meaning that you can buy them at the store or online and they are designed to fit most people. Other splints can be custom molded to your hand by a hand therapist.
  • Rest: avoiding activities that flare up the arthritis pain can make the pain less intense or less frequent.
  • Ice or heat: using ice on the skin over an arthritic joint before and after any activities that worsen the pain can improve discomfort. Heat applied with warm compresses, warm water, or wax baths may also improve symptoms. Experiment with both ice and heat to see if either helps.
  • Medications: anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen may help improve pain. Acetominophen can also be helpful. If you have medical problems or take medications, check with your primary care provider to make sure it is safe for you to take these medicines.
  • Rub-on creams: Some creams and lotions rubbed into the skin over an arthritic joint can be helpful in decreasing pain there. There are multiple options which may be worth trying, most of which can be bought at your local drug store or online. Try one for a few days or weeks, and if it doesn’t help then try another.
  • Injections: In some arthritic joints, certain substances can be injected into the joint with a needle which can decrease pain. Depending on the location, receiving a needle injection may be temporarily painful, but can provide good pain relief for months or longer. Many hand doctors provide injections of steroid, a substance that is thought to decrease inflammation in a joint which may be able to improve pain for several months. Some hand doctors may also consider injections of hyaluronate, a substance which may temporarily allow roughened bone ends to slip past each other more comfortably. However, hyaluronate injections are less commonly used than steroid injections and may be more expensive.
  • Hand therapy: Working with a hand therapist on motion exercises and strengthening of the hand may help improve some people’s arthritis pain, but the scientific studies on therapy for arthritis do not prove that it helps a great deal.

What if none of these treatments work to improve my arthritis pain?

There are surgeries that can help make hand arthritis pain better. However, most people with hand arthritis never need to move forward with surgery- this is a personal decision that should be made after discussion with a hand surgeon. The safest and best plan is usually to try to maximize all non-surgery treatments to make arthritis feel better. If none of these treatments give you good relief from your arthritis symptoms, see a hand surgeon to discuss whether a surgical procedure could benefit you.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

How to Manage & Prevent Arthritis in the Hands

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Article featured on MedicalNewsToday

There is no known cure for arthritis, which commonly affects the hands. However, a person can take steps to lower the risk of arthritis developing or worsening and to reduce and manage pain. These steps include practicing specific exercises and making dietary changes and adjustments to daily habits.

Arthritis is a general term that describes several conditions that affect a person’s joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis is generally not preventable, but a person may be able to reduce their risk by changing the risk factors that they can control.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, the most common type of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect nearly any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hips, and hands.

This article discusses how to reduce the risk of developing arthritis in the hands or prevent it from worsening. It also explains how to reduce and manage the pain of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs over time as a person’s cartilage erodes, whether from general wear and tear or due to underlying inflammation. Once the cartilage has worn away enough, a person can experience pain and stiffness in their joints.

A person can take steps to help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a combination of genetic and environmental factors triggers the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

These factors can activate the immune system years before symptoms appear.

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often affect the hands and fingers, and they can both cause joint stiffness or difficulty moving the joint.

However, there are some differences between the two conditions.

Osteoarthritis often affects the last joint on the finger, which is the one closest to the tip. Rheumatoid arthritis typically does not affect this joint.

In addition, the NIAMS note that osteoarthritis stiffness usually goes away within 30 minutes of waking up or resting, whereas the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis tend to last longer than 30 minutes.

General arthritis prevention

Not all forms of arthritis are preventable. However, a person can take some steps to reduce their risk of developing osteoarthritis in their joints.

According to the CDC, these steps include:

  • stopping smoking, if a smoker, or avoiding secondhand smoke
  • achieving or maintaining a moderate weight, as this helps protect the joints throughout the body
  • seeking treatment for any signs of infection, which can damage the joints
  • protecting against injury by performing exercises and stretches or avoiding activities that carry the risk of injury
  • using tools that do not place undue stress on the joints
  • avoiding repetitive motion when possible

Preventing arthritis in the hands

A person can try several techniques to help prevent arthritis in the hands from becoming debilitating.

Hand exercises

Several exercises may help with preventing or alleviating arthritis pain in the hand and fingers.

A person should talk to a doctor or occupational therapist about the best routine or exercises to help prevent disease progression or worsening pain or stiffness.

One simple exercise that many people should be able to do is making a fist.

To do this, a person starts with their fingers and thumb straight out. Then, they curl their fingers slowly into their palm and close their thumb around the outside of their fingers.

The person should not squeeze the hand too tight during this exercise, but they should hold the fist position for 2–3 seconds before releasing it. They can then repeat the action 10 times.

Another exercise that a person can try to prevent or alleviate arthritis symptoms is squeezing a stress ball or a tennis ball. Similar to making a fist, the motion should be slow and deliberate.

Learn more about hand exercises for arthritis here.

Daily habit adjustments

People who have not developed arthritis can take steps to help prevent joint damage in their hands. Some tips for preventing joint damage include:

  • using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse when working at the computer
  • avoiding lifting heavy items that can put strain on the fingers and hand
  • using splints or braces to reduce the risk of injury when using the hands for repetitive activities, such as sewing or chopping food

Methods to reduce hand pain

If a person is living with pain in their hands from arthritis, they may wish to try:

  • practicing gentle motion hand exercises that promote movement and help reduce stiffness
  • seeking physical therapy and occupational therapy from certified professionals
  • talking to a doctor about medications and topical pain relievers to help with the pain

The Arthritis Foundation add that a person can also:

  • use hot or cold therapy
  • modify their daily routine to avoid putting stress on the hands and fingers
  • talk to a doctor about steroid injections

Some additional steps that a person can take to help prevent arthritis pain in the hands include:

  • using kinetic tape as a preventive measure
  • using dictation software instead of typing
  • avoiding placing excess strain on the fingers by using large joints, such as the elbows or shoulders, to carry the weight of shopping bags
  • using other body parts besides the hands to close a door
  • using the palm of the hand to hold a phone or tablet to avoid placing strain on the fingers
  • changing daily habits, such as stirring food using a shoulder motion
  • using utensils with large, easy-to-grip handles

A person should talk to a doctor if at-home methods or treatments are ineffective in managing their arthritis symptoms. It is possible that a doctor will recommend surgery as a treatment option.

Outlook

It is not possible to prevent arthritis, but a person may be able to manage the pain that it causes and slow its progression.

At-home techniques and modifications to everyday routines may help prevent pain and minimize the loss of joint function.

Summary

Arthritis is a common condition, and there are numerous different types.

Although arthritis is not usually preventable, a person can take some steps to help protect their joints and potentially reduce their risk of the disorder.

A person can also take several steps to manage the pain and discomfort of arthritis at home.

If at-home treatments do not work, a person can work with a doctor to identify therapies and treatments that may help.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Joints Most Commonly Affected by Arthritis

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Article featured on Healthgrades

Arthritis is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes joint inflammation. When you’re living with arthritis, a simple task, such as tying your shoe or buttoning your shirt can become a challenging one. Not only does the swelling and aching interfere with work and daily living activities, it can also be painful and sometimes debilitating.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common include rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease) and osteoarthritis (a “wear-and-tear” condition related to aging, injury or obesity). Both cause joint stiffness, pain and decreased range of motion, and can affect many different joints throughout the body.

1. Knee

The knee is one of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis. This happens when there’s a breakdown of cartilage, which cushions the ends of the bones where they meet the joints. Symptoms of knee arthritis include stiffness, swelling, and pain, which can make it hard to walk and get in and out of chairs and bed. In severe cases, osteoarthritis in the knees can lead to disability.

2. Hand

When you have arthritis in your hands, it usually includes aching, stiffness or numbness in the fingers or at the base of the thumb joint, making it difficult to pinch or grip items. Small, bony knobs may appear on the middle or end joints (those closest to the fingernails) of the fingers, which can become enlarged and gnarled. This type of arthritis in the hands seems to run in families.

3. Hip

The hip is also a common arthritis site. You may have pain and stiffness in your hip joint, but some people also notice pain in the groin, buttocks, lower back, or front or inner thigh. Or they may have pain in only one of these areas. This type of hip arthritis can affect your ability to move or bend, and make daily activities a challenge.

4. Spine, Neck and Back

Arthritis in the spine usually results in stiffness and pain in the neck or lower back, but in some cases, it may not lead to any pain at all. Arthritis changes can also cause pressure on the nerves where they exit the spinal column, leading to weakness, tingling or numbness of the arms and legs. Since these symptoms can often seem like other health conditions, always check with your doctor for a diagnosis.

5. Foot and Ankle

Arthritis can also cause swelling and pain in the foot and ankle. It most often affects the joint at the base of the big toe, which can make walking difficult. The swelling can also lead to bunions on the toes, which can sometimes make the pain and deformity of the foot worse. With rheumatoid arthritis, the same joints on both sides of the body (such as both feet or both ankles) are usually affected.

6. Elbow

Joint inflammation can also be to blame for elbow pain or loss of function. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the elbow, and if one elbow is affected, the other likely will be, too. While elbow osteoarthritis is more common in weight-bearing joints, such as the knee and hip, it can also occur in the elbow, and is often the result of overuse or an injury, such as in the case of a tennis or baseball player.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What Exactly Is Arthritis?

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Article featured on Movement Orthopedics

“Arthritis” is used to describe joint pain and inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis. It can occur at any joint in the body, including the hip, knee, and shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, as well as the foot and ankle. It most often occurs in the hands, hips, and knees.

Arthritis tends to cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint.

The most common types of arthritis are:

  • Osteoarthritis – a wear-and-tear type of arthritis in which the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones begins to wear away. This ultimately leads to bone-on-bone friction, which is what causes the pain and swelling associated with arthritic joints. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, and the condition gets progressively worse over time. This is by far the most common type of arthritis.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – considered an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane that­­ lines and lubricates joints, causing the membrane to become inflamed. This can lead to deterioration of cartilage and bone at the joint.
  • Gout – another very common type of arthritis. In this case, a build-up of uric acid in the blood (often due to a purine-rich diet that includes foods like red meat, organ meat, scallops, tuna, or sardines) causes sharp crystals to collect at the joints. This results in pain, swelling, redness, and heat – typically occurring in one joint at a time. ­

Who Is Prone to Arthritis?

Those who may be at an increased risk of developing arthritis include:

  • Older adults – symptomatic osteoarthritis is estimated to affect nearly 10% of men and 20% of women over the age of 60.
  • Athletes – active people, whether young or old, face an increased risk of arthritis developing after an injury to a joint, although anyone with a joint injury is more likely to develop arthritis, which is called post-traumatic arthritis.
  • Obese adults – added stress on the joints can make the wearing away of cartilage occur faster.

Treating Arthritis

There are numerous conservative methods used to treat symptomatic arthritis, including:

  • Medications (prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or pain relievers)
  • Physical therapy that includes strengthening the muscles around the joint
  • Pain-relieving injections like cortisone shots or viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis
  • Activity modification to reduce the strain on your arthritic joint
  • Assistive devices, such as using bracing or a cane

Lifestyle approaches that can help include weight loss and engaging in regular, joint-friendly exercise, such as swimming, bicycling, walking, or dancing.

Your Surgical Options

Should conservative measures fail to relieve your symptoms, or if these measures stop working for you, the orthopedic specialists at Movement Orthopedics are experts in the use state-of-the-art surgical techniques to help you return to your usual activities, free from the pain of arthritis.

In many cases, this may mean minimally invasive joint replacement, reconstruction, or repair – including robotic-assisted surgery – to improve your mobility and decrease pain and inflammation.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Arthritis of the Ankle

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Article featured on University of Michigan Health

Ankle arthritis occurs when there is a breakdown of cartilage in the ankle joint.  It can result from a variety of causes, including trauma (such as a car accident), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or infection. In most cases, ankle arthritis is due to the degeneration of the cartilage from an old injury.

If you have – or suspect you have – ankle arthritis, we can provide you with a complete diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Experience is crucial in treating ankle arthritis, and we see many patients with complicated foot and ankle conditions.

Ankle Arthritis Symptoms

  • Pain that may increase with activity
  • Stiffness or loss of mobility
  • Swelling
  • Deformity of the ankle

Ankle Arthritis Diagnosis

So we can understand your condition, during your office visit:

  • We will take a complete history and conduct a physical examination to assess skin changes, the presence or absence of pulses and nerve sensations, the range of motion in your ankle, and the areas of discomfort.
  • We will take X-rays to evaluate your degree of arthritis and any associated ankle problem.
  • We may order further testing, such as a CT scan or MRI if we are considering surgery as an option.

Ankle Arthritis Treatments

Your individualized treatment plan is based on any previous treatments you have had, your current level of disability,  the presence of other medical conditions, and our findings from your health history, exam and X-rays.

Non-Surgical Treatments

We always look at non-surgical treatments first, especially if you have never received any other treatments. Treatments can include:

  • Ankle bracing – Either a custom-made or pre-fabricated ankle brace will stabilize your ankle joint and provide support for your ankle.
  • Cortisone injections – Cortisone injected into the ankle can reduce pain and swelling during a flare-up.
  • Activity modifications – Limiting high-impact activities, such as running, jumping or court sports, or switching out high-impact activities for low-impact options may be an option for you.
  • Ice and anti-inflammatory medications – We may give you these as needed to decrease symptoms.

Surgery

Surgery is only considered if all appropriate non-surgery treatments have failed. The types of surgeries we do include:

  • Ankle fusion (arthrodesis) – This procedure can be done either inpatient or outpatient, depending on your condition. Ankle fusion fuses together the two bones that make up the ankle joint – the tibia and talus – to make one solid block of bone. Fusion is an excellent pain-reliving procedure for arthritic joints. It involves removing the cartilage from a joint so it grows into one bone, eliminating the pain of bones rubbing against each other. Fusion of the ankle does result in loss of approximately 75% of ankle motion, but some motion is kept through the joints underneath the ankle and into the mid-foot.
  • Total ankle joint replacement (arthroplasty) – This ankle joint replacement treatment utilizes the newest implants (prosthesis) available. The surgery is only appropriate for certain patients with ankle arthritis, but for the right candidate, it can be very successful in preserving function and providing excellent pain relief. We are one of the few health care providers to offer total ankle replacement to our patients, and our surgeons are highly experienced in this procedure.
  • Bone spur removal (debridement) – Arthritis can cause bone spurs to develop on the ankle joint, and removal of these bone spurs, either through an open ankle incision or through an ankle scope (arthroscopy), may relieve pain and improve range of motion.
  • Distraction arthroplasty – This is a new joint restoration technique that uses an external frame (applied surgically) placed around the outside of the leg to spread the surfaces of the ankle joint, to encourage new cartilage growth. This procedure maintains ankle motion and relieves pain.

Our surgeons will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of surgery, and to let you know if they think surgery is the best option for you.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can Knowing Your Risk Prompt Better Health Habits?

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Article featured on Brigham Health Hub

If someone in your family has rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may already know that you are more susceptible to developing the disease. Could understanding personal risk factors encourage you to change health habits, to possibly decrease your chances of developing RA?

Doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are finding that people who learn their risks – based on genetics, blood markers, personal behaviors, and environmental exposures – are more likely to change behaviors to make them potentially less vulnerable to the disease.

“There are modifiable environmental factors that might have an impact on disease,” says Jeffrey A. Sparks, MD, MMSc a rheumatologist and assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy at the Brigham. “Once you know what the risk factors are and how you can do something about it, you can act on that.”

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common type of chronic arthritis, is caused by a dysregulated immune system. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the joints (typically worse in the morning), as well as decreased energy, slight fever, appetite loss, and development of hard bumps beneath the skin near joints.

Progression varies from one person to the next. But when advanced, RA eventually can destroy both cartilage and bone, causing increased pain, swelling, deformities, and loss of mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common among women and often begins between ages 40 – 60 years.

Genes probably don’t cause rheumatoid arthritis by themselves. But genetics may make a person more vulnerable to disease triggers, such as smoking and infections. In RA, the disease occurs in the “synovium” (the lining layer of the joints) when the immune system stops protecting the joints and instead damages bone and cartilage. Researchers at the Brigham and elsewhere are helping to understand the genes, health habits, and environmental factors that may increase a person’s risk of RA. They also are studying how to decrease that risk – including by changing some health behaviors such as smoking, obesity, low fish consumption, and poor dental health. These health behaviors likely affect RA risk by either increasing or decreasing the amount of inflammation in the body.

With these risk factors in mind, Brigham researchers including Dr. Sparks and Elizabeth Karlson, MD, MS are seeking ways to encourage prevention strategies for people at risk.

New Studies Suggest Knowledge Motivates Changes

Knowledge of risks is the first step to changing behavior. But what is an effective way for people to learn about their risks?

As part of the recent PRE-RA Family Study, Brigham researchers found that first-degree relatives of RA patients were familiar with the disease and symptoms. But they were relatively less aware of how their own health habits (including dental hygiene, smoking, overweight/obesity, and diet) could contribute to their risk of developing RA. In the study, those who received an interactive, web-based RA education tool that visually depicted their own personal risks showed greater increases in their knowledge of RA risk factors than those who received education that was not personalized to their own risks.

More importantly, the PRE-RA Family Study also showed that people would act on this new knowledge. Relatives who learned about their own personal risk of RA — based on genetics, autoantibody results from the blood, and their own behaviors — showed increased motivation to improve RA risk-related behaviors. The education included an interactive, visual presentation of their own risks, personalized for each participant, along with specific behavior changes (such as “eat more fish”) that might reduce those risks. Six months later, people who received personalized risk assessment and education, compared to those who received non-personalized information and education, were more likely to have increased fish intake, quit smoking, and brush and floss their teeth more frequently.

What You Can Do Right Now

For relatives of people with RA, but who themselves do not have RA symptoms, knowing and tracking your own personal health history is a good first step. The next is to be aware of how behaviors can affect your risk. Then pick actionable, attainable goals to reduce that risk, such as improved dental hygiene, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Common Types of Arthritis Explained

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Arthritis is a painful rheumatic condition that causes joint inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis that can affect the joints and other areas of the body and cause similar symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and stiffness.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Below, we explore these conditions, as well as other diseases that can present with arthritis. We also discuss potential treatment and when to seek medical guidance.

OA

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). OA affects over 32.5 million adults in the United States.

Symptoms

Symptoms of OA include:

  • pain and swelling in the joints
  • joint stiffness
  • limited range of motion

People often experience OA symptoms in the hips, hands, and knees.

Risk factors

The following increase the likelihood of developing OA:

  • joint overuse, which can happen due to aging
  • joint injury
  • being female
  • obesity
  • a family history of OA

RA

RA is an autoimmune condition that causes painful swelling and inflammation in the joints. It typically affects the hands, wrists, and feet.

Symptoms

RA does not only affect joints. It can also cause problems in other organs of the body, including the heart, lungs, and eyes.

While some people experience a sustained progression of the disease, the intensity of symptoms usually comes and goes. Symptoms may include:

  • pain, stiffness, and swelling in several joints at once
  • fatigue
  • unexplained weight loss
  • fever

Another characteristic of RA is symmetrical involvement. This means pain and signs of inflammation occur on both sides of the body and in the same joints.

Complications

RA can cause lasting tissue damage, which can lead to:

  • recurring pain
  • destruction of joints
  • deformity or incorrect alignment of joints
  • limited joint mobility

Some people who have RA may also need assistance walking.

Risk factors

Some RA risk factors include:

  • being older
  • being female
  • having specific genes
  • smoking or being exposed to cigarette smoke early in life
  • having never given birth
  • having obesity

PsA

PsA is an autoimmune condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PsA include:

  • swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints
  • extreme fatigue
  • nail changes

PsA joint involvement is asymmetric, affecting different joints on either side of the body.

This type of arthritis can develop in people with a skin condition called psoriasis, which causes scaly, flushed, or silvery patches of skin. These patches can look different depending on a person’s skin color.

Risk factors

Researchers still do not fully understand what causes this form of arthritis. However, having a family history of PsA may increase a person’s risk of developing this condition.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes painful swelling, often in a single joint at a time.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout can flare up and go away quickly. They include:

  • pain and swelling
  • flushed skin
  • a joint that feels hot to the touch

Swelling is common in the big toe. Often, it also affects the knee or ankle joint.

Risk factors

A person may be at higher risk of developing gout if they:

  • are male
  • have overweight or obesity
  • take certain medications, such as diuretics or beta-blockers
  • drink alcohol
  • follow a diet rich in purines or fructose

Health conditions that may lead to gout include:

  • heart failure
  • high blood pressure
  • diabetes
  • kidney disease

Gout may also occur due to metabolic syndrome, which is not a condition in itself. It refers to a number of characteristics, diseases, or habits that can make a person more likely to experience other health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.

Lupus

This chronic illness is an autoimmune condition that commonly affects females aged 15–44 years.

Lupus is not a type of arthritis in itself. However, arthritis is one of the most common symptoms of this condition.

Symptoms

One symptom of lupus is the characteristic butterfly rash that can develop on the face. Other rashes can also develop on the arms, hands, and face. Rashes can worsen after sun exposure.

While symptoms may differ from person to person, they generally include:

  • joint and muscle pain
  • fever during flare-ups
  • hair loss
  • chest pain
  • kidney issues
  • sores in the mouth and nose
  • chronic fatigue
  • problems with memory
  • anemia
  • eye irritation, dryness, and inflammation
  • cold sensitivity with color changes of the hands and feet

Juvenile arthritis

Juvenile arthritis, also known as childhood arthritis, affects children or even infants.

Symptoms

Symptoms of juvenile arthritis include:

  • joint pain and swelling
  • joint stiffness
  • a rash
  • fever
  • fatigue
  • eye inflammation
  • loss of appetite
  • difficulty carrying out daily activities

Cause

There is no known cause of childhood arthritis. It appears to affect children regardless of race, age, or background.

Diagnosis

Reaching a definitive diagnosis may take time, because many types of arthritis are similar or resemble other conditions.

Typically, a doctor will first check a person’s medical and family history. They will also ask about symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may run tests such as:

  • imaging tests, including X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound scans
  • nerve tests
  • blood tests
  • joint fluid tests
  • skin or muscle biopsies
Treatment

Arthritis management depends on the type of arthritis. There are different forms of treatment available.

Medications

Medical treatment for arthritis may involve:

  • over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for relief of pain and swelling caused by inflammation
  • corticosteroid injections administered by a physician
  • topical pain relief creams and gel
  • disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
  • biologics

Surgery

Surgery may not be necessary for everyone with arthritis. However, it can benefit certain complications of arthritis that result in malalignment of joints and functional limitations due to damaged joints. It can also help with intractable pain, which is when a person experiences pain that is difficult to treat or manage.

Common surgeries for arthritis include:

  • foot, ankle, hand, or wrist surgery
  • hip or knee replacement surgery

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can be a great option for people with arthritis. It can help ease pain or increase activity.

Behavioral changes that can help with arthritis may include:

  • getting regular exercise
  • quitting smoking, if applicable
  • reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
  • eating a healthful diet

Home remedies

Some people find certain home remedies helpful in relieving pain and swelling from certain types of arthritis. These may include:

  • hot and cold therapy
  • mindfulness strategies, such as meditation
  • massage

To discover more evidence-based information and resources for arthritis, visit our dedicated hub.

When to contact a doctor

If a person has experienced joint symptoms that last more than 3 days, they should seek treatment from a healthcare professional.

Similarly, if a person has joint symptoms at different times within a month, they should also contact a doctor.

Living with arthritis

Medications and other treatments can help a person manage chronic symptoms, such as pain and swelling.

Pain will come and go with many types of arthritis. However, even if the pain resolves, a person should still seek treatment.

It is important to treat arthritis early. If left untreated, some types of arthritis may worsen over time and cause permanent disability.

Summary

Arthritis is a painful condition that causes joint inflammation.

Different types of arthritis can cause similar symptoms. It is vital to get the correct diagnosis, as it can help determine most effective treatment options.

The right treatment may also prevent future complications and help a person live a more active life.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Use Heat And Cold To Ease Arthritic Joints

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Article featured on Summit Ortho

When arthritic joints become stiff or painful, we explain how and when to use the application of heat and cold for arthritis for simple, effective relief.

Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in our country. More than 50 million Americans are affected by this disease. This number represents one out of every five adults and approximately 300,000 children. People of all ages and races are vulnerable to this joint-disabling condition. It is most common among women, and our chance of developing arthritis increases as we age.

Because there is currently no cure for arthritis, many people are under the impression that there is nothing they can do to manage their symptoms. In fact, medicine offers many helpful treatments for arthritis. Some therapies help with pain, and others improve the function of affected joints. In some cases, early treatments can actually slow the progress of the disease. Below we demonstrate how best to use heat and cold for arthritis.

One simple, inexpensive, and effective way for patients to treat painful joints at home is the application of heat or cold.

The trick is to know when to reach for a heating pad and when to use a towel-wrapped bag of ice or frozen peas to ease arthritic pain. We explain how temperature works to soothe a joint, and we distinguish between the type of pain that responds to heat versus the type of pain that responds to cold therapy.

Use heat to treat chronic stiffness in arthritic joints.

Heat encourages blood vessels near the surface of the skin to expand, increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles. When you wake up with sore joints, or if you feel stiff after a period of inactivity, a heating pad or a hot shower or bath will stimulate blood flow to your joints and help to make them feel more limber. A heat treatment is also a great way to prepare arthritic joints for exercise or activity.

Use cold to treat the acute pain caused by inflammation and swelling.

Pain following activity or a period of exercise is the result of soft tissue injury; broken capillaries leak blood and serum into adjacent tissues and cause localized swelling and inflammation. When a long walk or an afternoon in the garden leaves your joints feeling thick and painful, use cold. Cold applications cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing further leakage and additional swelling, and relieving pain by numbing the sore joint. Use a bag of ice, a bag of frozen peas, or a gel-filled cold pack wrapped in a towel to protect your skin. Apply cold for 10 to 20 minutes. Remove for at least 20 to 40 minutes, and then repeat if necessary.

Generally, heat applications work best early in the day.

Use this as a jump-start for stiff joints. Icing is used at the end of the day to minimize any inflammation sparked by your day’s activities. If you have any questions about hot and cold treatments, talk with your doctor. At Summit, our teams of physicians and healthcare professionals can manage symptoms through a variety of conservative treatments designed to restore mobility, reduce pain, and protect the lifestyle you love.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Options for Treating Arthritis in the Knee

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Article featured on The Noyes Knee Institute

Knee osteoarthritis can occur when the cartilage around the knee wears down. Without the protection of cartilage, bones in the joint grind together, causing inflammation and pain. In severe cases, a knee surgeon might recommend knee replacement or arthroscopic surgery. Fortunately, many non-invasive options help relieve the pain of arthritis in the knee.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What’s the Difference?

Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive condition in which the subchondral bone suffers damage as the cartilage slowly wears away. This type of arthritis is common in middle-aged and elderly patients and happens more frequently in females than males.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disorder of the autoimmune system which leads to chronic inflammation. RA usually presents in both knees at the same time. Other joints, including fingers, toes, ankles, and wrists may also be affected.

Both types of arthritis respond to the conservative treatments listed below. However, as an auto-immune disorder, RA also requires specific medical care.

Treatments for Arthritis in the Knees

Weight Loss

For every pound of weight lost, you relieve four to six pounds of pressure from the knee. Carrying a significant amount of extra weight puts extra strain on knee joints which aggravates arthritis symptoms. However, even if you are not obese, losing just five to ten pounds could significantly relieve arthritis pain.

Avoid Aggravating Activities

While it’s important to continue exercising and moving your knees, overdoing it can make problems worse. Avoid the following activities if you notice pain or swelling up to 24 hours after participation:

  • High-impact exercise/sports
  • Kneeling/squatting
  • Walking for periods longer than 60-90 minutes without a rest break
  • Using stairs (inclining or declining)
  • Sitting in one position for more than 30 minutes without a break (such as during a long drive)
  • Standing for periods longer than 30-60 minutes

It may not be practical to avoid all of these activities every day, but reducing them as much as possible should help alleviate arthritis knee pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

NSAIDs can be extremely helpful in easing arthritis pain. However, it’s important to use prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications only as recommended by your physician. Overuse can cause serious side effects.

Knee Injections

Steroid or synthetic lubricant injections such as Synvisc may be recommended when diet and other lifestyle changes are ineffective.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy and “knee-friendly” exercises are often recommended to help regain strength and flexibility in the knee joint.

Knee Surgery

When conservative methods fail, it may be time to consider knee surgery. Many people automatically think of total knee replacement when they think of surgery for treating knee arthritis, but there are several other surgical options to consider:

  • Arthroscopic debridement, abrasion arthroplasty
  • Autologous chondrocyte implantation
  • Femoral osteotomy
  • High tibial osteotomy
  • Meniscus transplantation
  • Osteochondral autograft transfer
  • Partial knee replacement

You and your knee surgeon will determine the surgical option that’s best for your situation. If you have sustained additional knee injuries, other procedures may be performed simultaneously as surgery to correct arthritis.

Should I see a Knee Surgeon?

If you have tried conservative therapies, but your arthritis pain continues to get worse, it may be time to consider surgery.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm