When To See A Doctor About Your Arthritis

While most people experience stiffness, aches, and pains as they age, some symptoms could indicate a more serious problem. Arthritis is a common condition, affecting about 40 million people in the United States. This ailment can manifest itself in many forms, such as stiffness in the fingers and limbs. With 80% of adults experiencing low back pain in their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, back pain and stiffness can be a sign of arthritis as well. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is time to visit a doctor to seek specific arthritis pain treatment.

• Daily activities are difficult. If your joints are so painful and stiff that everyday tasks are causing you agony, it is time to call your doctor. A medical professional will have suggestions for this type of chronic pain treatment, getting you back to your life as soon as possible. They will also test for more serious forms of arthritis.

• You have pain in multiple joints. When multiple parts of your body are in pain, daily function can be difficult. Depending on the severity of certain joint damage, and a more specific diagnosis, your doctor may recommend treatment such as a knee replacement.

• Your joints are red and warm. Joints that are warm to the touch and red in color may be an indication of septic arthritis, or an infection of a joint. This condition is usually caused by fungus or bacteria and may be accompanied by a fever and chills. If this is the case, your doctor will drain the joint and prescribe antibiotics.

• You wake up feeling stiff. If tight joints are making it difficult to get out of bed, you may have rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease that causes the joints to swell. Swelling happens in flare ups, becoming severe for periods of time. Your doctor may recommend treatments such as medication, surgical procedures, and physical therapy.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consider seeking arthritis pain treatment in an orthopedic center, primary care office, or hospital. By seeking the right treatment, you can stop letting joint pain control your life and get back to feeling like yourself. Once you are at your first appointment, be sure to ask your doctor about what you can do in your everyday life to make your treatment as effective as possible.