Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans every year, causing significant pain and disability. At Elite Premier Medical Care Plus Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Fred Revoredo, MD, offers effective treatments to help reduce and manage your arthritis pain and improve function. Under their care, your quality of life could improve significantly, and they can help minimize the negative impact of arthritis on your well-being. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis isn’t a single disease but a collection of several different conditions, all affecting your joints and causing chronic pain, inflammation, and joint dysfunction.

Osteoarthritis, which typically starts in middle age, is the most widespread form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis arises from wear and tear of the joints over the years, resulting in a loss of cartilage on the ends of your bones. Without their protective layer, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is less common than osteoarthritis but still widespread. This form of arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, a type of disease in which your immune system mistakenly starts attacking your tissues as though they were potentially harmful. In RA, your immune system attacks the joint linings.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Revoredo carries out a comprehensive physical exam, reviews your medical history, and talks with you about your current symptoms. This may give him a good indication that you have arthritis, but he may also need to run other diagnostic tests to assess the amount of joint damage and confirm which type of arthritis you have.

These tests could include:

• Blood test
• Urine test
• Joint fluid test
• X-rays
• CT (computerized tomography) scan
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Ultrasound

When the test results are back, Dr. Revoredo can personalize a treatment plan to combat the effects of arthritis and help improve your quality of life.

How is arthritis treated?

Though arthritis has no known cure, Dr. Revoredo can help you manage its symptoms by tailoring your treatment plan to your specific needs, reflecting the unique experience each individual has of living with arthritis.

Lifestyle changes are vital in managing arthritis. By improving your overall health and fitness, you can often make a significant reduction in the physical effects of arthritis. Gentle exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and managing your stress can all lessen your arthritis symptoms.

In contrast, eating poorly and lack of exercise, as well as smoking and excess alcohol consumption, often make symptoms worse.

Dr. Revoredo can help you eat better, lose weight, and give up bad habits, all of which make a noticeable difference in your symptoms. Other potential treatments for arthritis include:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Physical therapy
• Splints or braces
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Capsaicin or menthol cream
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic response modifiers
• Oral or injectable corticosteroids

For comprehensive care from a compassionate physician focused on you and your health, contact Elite Premier Medical Care Plus by phone or online today.