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Arthritis

Osteo Arthritis is the most common form of arthritis, impacting the lives of over 20 million Americans each year. 2.1 million citizens suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States. This type of arthritis is unique, often afflicting people as young as twenty years old. Over 40 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis.

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, ranging from the smaller joints (hands, elbows, fingers, ankles and feet) to the largest (hips, knees and shoulders). There are also a number of types of arthritis that have an effect on the spine.

There are a number of methods of treatment for arthritis, dependent upon the severity of each case. Oral medications and exercise are often used to manage the milder forms of arthritis. Injecting medication into the problematic joint can improve the function of the joint's cartilage, providing temporary relief. Bracing can also be used for more severe forms of arthritis. Development of technology has allowed for two types of surgeries to be used to treat arthritis: arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement. Arthroscopic surgery is helpful in caring for patients with loose or tom cartilage, while joint replacement is used as a treatment for end-stage arthritis.