Arthritis

Treatment for Arthritis at Washington Township Medical Foundation

At its most basic definition, arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints, causing pain and stiffness and reducing mobility and range of motion. This condition can get worse with age. There are many different types of arthritis. In fact, there are more than 100 different varieties of arthritis and similar, related conditions.

Two of the most common are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) – This type of arthritis occurs when the flexible tissues that can be found at the end of the bones gets worn down. Also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is the leading type of arthritis, affecting about 27 million people in the United States. While OA can impact any joint in the body, it is most commonly found in the hips, low back, neck, knees, fingers, and thumb / big toe.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Rheumatoid arthritis, also called atrophic arthritis, can affect any joints, including those found in the hands and feet. This condition is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which the immune system attacks the tissue, causing symptoms such as swelling and pain.

Do you have questions about arthritis? Speak with our physiatrists at Washington Township Medical Foundation about diagnosis and treatment of OA, RA, or other forms of arthritis. We are here to help.