About 54 million Americans, or 23% of the adult population, suffer from some type of arthritis. Though common, arthritis gets progressively worse over time and may affect your mobility, day-to-day life, and ability to participate in activities you enjoy. Board-certified family practice physician Joshua Yager, MD, at Yager Family Medicine in Chamblee, Georgia, has years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. To request your appointment, call the office or book online today.
Arthritis is a blanket term used to describe a group of more than 100 diseases that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints throughout your body. Pain caused by arthritis can contribute to both a poor quality of life and other medical problems. Over time, arthritis triggers the release of hormones that weaken your immune system. In the short term, arthritis causes general discomfort and limited mobility. This may keep you from exercising, socializing with friends and family, or enjoying hobbies like playing sports or gardening.
The symptoms of arthritis vary from mild to debilitating. Telltale signs of arthritis, regardless of type, include:
As arthritis progresses, you might also find it difficult to straighten or put pressure on your affected joints.
Arthritis affects people of all ages and races, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
Your gender also plays a role. For example, men are more likely to experience gout, while women are more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
To diagnose arthritis, Dr. Yager conducts a physical exam, checking all of your joints for redness, swelling, and warmth. He also asks you to perform a series of easy exercises to observe your range of motion.
If a basic physical doesn’t provide adequate insights, Dr. Yager might also order X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues.
At Yager Family Medicine, Dr. Yager focuses your arthritis treatment on improving pain levels and increasing your mobility. Depending on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your symptoms, he might recommend prescription medications, physical therapy, or durable medical equipment (DME) like crutches or a walker.
If your pain persists or doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. Ultimately, Dr. Yager works to ease uncomfortable symptoms while treating the underlying problem.
To request your arthritis appointment at Yager Family Medicine, call the office or book online today.