Living with joint pain or arthritis can affect daily activities, mobility, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with aching joints, severe pain, or chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, finding effective ways to relieve pain and manage arthritis symptoms is essential. At WellCare Urgent Care, we provide a comprehensive approach to help patients in Grand Rapids and Kentwood regain comfort, improve joint function, and maintain an active lifestyle.
Understanding Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation in one or more joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. There are several types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most prevalent:
- Osteoarthritis: Occurs when the protective cartilage in the joints gradually wears down, often due to aging, overuse, or injury.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing swelling, pain, and potentially joint deformity over time.
Joint pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, persistent pain that interferes with daily activities, and while arthritis is one of the leading causes of joint pain, other conditions, such as bursitis, tendinitis, or injury, can also contribute to joint discomfort. Understanding the type and cause of joint pain is critical in determining the most effective treatment and management strategies.
Who is Affected by Joint Pain and Arthritis?
Joint pain and arthritis can affect people of all ages, but certain factors increase the risk of developing these conditions. Age is a major factor, as wear and tear over time can lead to osteoarthritis. Genetics can also play a role, especially in autoimmune forms like rheumatoid arthritis, where family history may increase susceptibility.
Lifestyle factors, including obesity, sedentary habits, and repetitive strain on the joints, can exacerbate joint stress and contribute to arthritis development. Women are more likely than men to experience rheumatoid arthritis, while men may experience osteoarthritis more frequently in certain joints, such as the hips. Additionally, injuries or past joint trauma can make individuals more prone to arthritis later in life.
Medical Treatments at WellCare Urgent Care
When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, medical treatments can provide additional relief. Health care providers at WellCare Urgent Care offer targeted arthritis treatment options, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce joint inflammation and ease pain.
For patients with more severe arthritis pain, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may help slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatic diseases. Blood tests and other assessments allow providers to tailor treatment plans and monitor factors such as uric acid, joint fluid, and overall immune system function.
Advanced Treatment Options to Relieve Arthritis Pain
In cases where conservative therapies aren’t sufficient, advanced treatments may be considered. Joint injections, joint fusion, or artificial joint procedures, including total joint replacement, can restore joint space and improve mobility for those with severe pain or bone spurs. A more advanced treatment plan may also incorporate nutritional supplements, physical therapy, and guided exercise programs to maximize joint function and ease pain.
Take the Next Step Toward a Life Free of Chronic Pain Signals
Living with chronic pain doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle; by combining natural remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and personalized medical treatments, patients can relieve joint pain, manage arthritis symptoms, and protect weight-bearing joints. At WellCare Urgent Care, our experienced health care providers in Grand Rapids and Kentwood are dedicated to helping you notice improvement, reduce pain, and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Schedule a consultation to develop a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan that works for you.
