Arthritis

How Do Arthritis Symptoms Affect Your Health?

There are several common arthritis symptoms associated with the condition, such as redness around the affected joints, decreased range of motion, and swelling in one or more joints. An arthritic joint can also become stiff, and it will hurt to move. Joint inflammation may develop gradually, and a family history of arthritis or a previous joint injury creates a higher risk factor of developing arthritis. Certain conditions, like reactive arthritis or other forms of inflammatory arthritis, can progress into severe arthritis if left untreated.

When you have chronic arthritis, you may begin to feel fatigued most of the time. By visiting an urgent care center such as WellCare, you can receive an examination to determine the type of arthritis you have and discuss arthritis treatments that can help relieve pain. Options for pain relief often include lifestyle adjustments, medication, or other supportive therapies focused on managing arthritis effectively. A physician can determine your diagnosis with a physical exam and blood tests, and in some cases, X-rays may be used to assess the extent of joint damage. This process ensures that you receive the best care to prevent arthritis flares and maintain your overall health.

How is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Arthritis is diagnosed through a careful evaluation of your medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing to identify the specific type of arthritis affecting your joints. During your visit, a provider will assess joint pain, swelling, and range of motion in one or more affected joints, looking for common arthritis symptoms such as morning stiffness or joint inflammation.

Blood tests may be used to check for markers like rheumatoid factor or elevated uric acid levels, which can indicate rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or psoriatic arthritis. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs can show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or damage to connective tissues and the synovial membrane, which help determine disease severity.

What Are Some of the Types of Arthritis?

There are hundreds of types of arthritis that can damage your joints, including:

• Osteoarthritis – ongoing wear and tear causes patients to develop osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid – an autoimmune disorder that destroys the synovial membranes
• Gout – caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints
• Psoriatic Arthritis– a side effect from having psoriasis
• Inflammatory – an overall body inflammation that includes the joints
• Lupus – includes inflammation in vital body organs
• Reactive – a reaction from an infection in other areas of your body
• Septic – an infection from parasites, fungi, viruses, or bacteria

Diet and Exercise

For some types of arthritis, a physician can prescribe medications that eliminate infections. However, most types of arthritis are not curable, but you can prevent additional joint damage or pain. A physician will tell you to change your dietary plan to include foods that can reduce inflammation. It is a good idea to choose an exercise that won’t harm your joints, swimming or gentle yoga routines are recommended.

Physical Therapy for Arthritis/Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, or alternatively, a physician can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling and pain in your joints. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or other immune-disorder arthritis conditions, then you can take medications that will suppress the activity of your body’s immune system. You can visit a physical therapist for treatment, or alternatively, you can enjoy professional massages at a spa to alleviate your pain while improving the condition of the arthritic joints in your body.

Frequently  Asked Questions about Arthritis

What makes arthritis pain go away? Arthritis pain can be managed with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes like regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. If your arthritis pain is significant, urgent care can help. What foods should you avoid if you have arthritis? People with arthritis should avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, refined carbs, and trans fats, which can trigger inflammation. Red meats, dairy, and nightshade vegetables like tomatoes and peppers can also worsen symptoms. Is it better to use heat or cold for arthritis? Heat therapy helps relax stiff joints and muscles, while cold therapy reduces swelling and numbs pain. The best choice depends on the type of pain— we recommend using heat for stiffness and cold for inflammation and swelling. Why does arthritis flare up? Arthritis flare-ups can be triggered by stress, weather changes, overuse, or diet. Inflammatory foods, infections, or even hormonal changes can also contribute to pain and stiffness. Should you push through arthritis pain? It's important to stay active, but pushing through severe pain can worsen joint damage. Gentle movement and low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga can help maintain mobility without straining the joints. If you have arthritis pain or think you’ve injured it through overuse, it’s best to visit urgent care. Can you still live a normal life with arthritis? Yes, many people with arthritis lead full and active lives by managing their arthritis. Treatments like medication, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Does arthritis pain go away on its own? Arthritis pain typically doesn’t go away on its own and can worsen over time without treatment. If you’re experiencing arthritis pain, it’s best to visit urgent care for prompt treatment. What does arthritis flare up feel like? An arthritis flare-up often involves increased joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. The discomfort can range from mild to severe and can last from a few days to several weeks. What's the worst thing for arthritis? Inactivity, poor diet, and excess weight can worsen arthritis symptoms. High-impact activities or repetitive joint stress can also lead to increased pain and inflammation. What is the best exercise for arthritis? Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and gentle stretching are ideal for arthritis. These activities help maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and support overall joint health. See All

Come into WellCare

Arthritis is a painful condition that affects millions of people each year. There are many ways to help treat arthritis and make it more manageable. To learn more about overcoming arthritic pain and joint damage, contact WellCare Urgent Care in Grand Rapids. Schedule a same-day appointment online or come into our Cascade and Leonard locations.