Arthritis

Arthritis Treatment Specialists in Queens, NY

At Precision Care, our award-winning pain management doctors provide comprehensive arthritis treatment to patients in Queens, NY.

Injection therapies are safe, minimally invasive procedures that can effectively manage pain and offer relief lasting weeks, months, or even years. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment enable patients to resume normal activities in a short period. In most cases, our treatments help avoid the need for invasive surgery.

Understanding Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an autoimmune condition characterized by joint inflammation, often affecting the knees, hips, and shoulders. Initially, symptoms may be minor and intermittent, typically affecting both sides of the body. Symptoms can progress over weeks or months and vary from person to person. Flare-ups are periods when symptoms intensify, while remission refers to inactive periods with milder or no symptoms.

Early Warning Signs of Arthritis

1. Fatigue
   • Often the first symptom, fatigue can precede other signs by weeks or months.
   • It may be accompanied by feelings of illness or depression.
2. Morning Stiffness
   • Early stiffness usually lasts a few minutes but can worsen over time without treatment.
   • Prolonged stiffness may indicate inflammatory arthritis, often affecting hands and small joints first.
3. Joint Tenderness
   • Pain or tenderness occurs during movement or rest, often in areas such as:
     • Wrists
     • Fingers
     • Knees
     • Feet
     • Shoulders
     • Ankles
4. Mild Joint Inflammation
   • Swelling may make joints appear larger and feel warm.
   • Flare-ups initially last a few days to weeks but worsen over time.
5. Low-Grade Fever
   • A slight fever may accompany joint inflammation.
   • A fever exceeding 100°F (38°C) may indicate another illness.
6. Tingling and Numbness
   • Inflammation can pressure nerves, causing tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation, often linked to carpal tunnel syndrome.
7. Difficulty Bending or Straightening Joints
   • As inflammation progresses, tendons and ligaments may become unstable or deformed, restricting movement.
8. Additional Symptoms
   • Dry mouth
   • Eye discomfort or discharge
   • Difficulty sleeping
   • Loss of appetite
   • Weight loss
   • Tissue lumps under the skin

Progression and Complications

Loss of Mobility

Untreated arthritis may affect:

• Ankles
• Knees
• Hips
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Shoulders
• Spine

Severe cases may lead to joint deformity, bone fusion, or fibrous tissue formation, significantly impacting quality of life.

Organ Complications

• Skin: Nodules or blisters may form under the skin.
• Heart: Blood vessel narrowing can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
• Lungs: Chronic inflammation may cause coughing, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.

Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Key Differences

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the body attacks joint linings, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain.
• Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative condition involving cartilage breakdown, leading to bone-on-bone friction and pain.

Symptoms

• Both conditions cause joint pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
• RA often presents systemic symptoms like low-grade fever and fatigue.
• OA typically involves localized symptoms without systemic involvement.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Methods

• Physical examination and medical history review.
• Blood tests for RA markers such as:
  • Rheumatoid factor
  • Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody
• Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound) to assess joint damage.

Treatment Options

Medications

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroids
• Immune system suppressants for RA

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Cortisone Injections
• Prolotherapy
• Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation
• Facet Joint Injections

Outlook

Although there is no cure for RA or OA, treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. If you experience arthritis symptoms, consult the specialists at Precision Care for personalized care.