Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joint, which often causes pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage—the hard tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint—to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that targets the lining of joints. Uric acid crystals, infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis.
Arthritis Overview and Symptoms
BIDMC experts in the Arthritis Center will use the most advanced tools and techniques to help alleviate symptoms of hip, knee and shoulder issues related to arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis) or other joint related conditions. Your physician will review your medical history, ask you to describe the pain and other joint discomfort, and will want to know whether you have suffered any other injuries related to your hip, knee or shoulder. Typically, an X-ray will be ordered and which will reveal any abnormalities of the joint and help your physician create a treatment plan.
Arthritis Treatment
Your treatment plan will depend on the type of arthritis you are diagnosed with. Common non-surgical treatments for arthritis include:
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Integrative care techniques such as yoga and massage
Joint replacement surgery is a procedure that can restore joint mobility and function, enabling patients with arthritis to move with renewed ease, freedom of motion and comfort. BIDMC's joint replacement and reconstruction surgeons perform highly specialized joint reconstructive surgeries for knees and hips.
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The Arthritis Center at BIDMC provides world-class care with
latest technologies to help patients with joint conditions.
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The Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology provides leading-edge, compassionate care to patients with rheumatic diseases and other disorders of the joints, muscles and ligaments.