What are the Common Signs of Arthritis?

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that impacts the lives of millions of Americans each year. Flare-ups may cause joint pain and inflammation, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. Severe cases of arthritis may even lead to immobility.

When over-the-counter drugs provide short-term relief from arthritis symptoms, it's time to meet with a medical professional like Dr. Matthew Rayner at The Wellness Institute of Dallas. Our team can improve the quality of life for patients near Highland Park and University Park through evidence-based arthritis treatments like manual therapy and laser-assisted technology.

Who is at risk for developing arthritis?

Anyone can have arthritis, but your chance of developing this condition increases with age. People with a family history of arthritis, who are overweight or obese, who participate in high-impact sports, or who have a previous joint injury are also at an increased risk. This is because the cartilage that cushions and protects your joints can become damaged or break down over time.

An evaluation is one of the best ways for a provider to identify your individual risk factors. Patients should mention any information related to their health history so Dr. Rayner can provide a proper diagnosis.

What are the most common symptoms of arthritis?

There are several tell-tale signs that suggest arthritis is present in the body. Some symptoms include:

• Joint pain: It's not uncommon to experience pain and discomfort in the affected joint when performing normal day-to-day activities.
• Joint stiffness: Stiffness may occur after extended periods of inactivity (such as sitting or lying down).
• Joint inflammation: Swelling around the affected joint may be accompanied by redness or a feeling of warmth.
• Loss of range of motion: It can be challenging to perform simple tasks like carrying groceries or walking up the stairs when your range of motion is affected.
• Joint instability: Many people find that their joints are unable to properly support their body weight.

Severe cases of arthritis can cause deformity or permanent damage to the joints, so it's important to seek help from a medical professional near Highland Park and University Park as soon as possible. Dr. Rayner can assess your current symptoms before moving forward with a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan.

How does arthritis treatment work?

Prescription medications provide short-term relief of arthritis symptoms, but they don't address the underlying problem. Plus, long-term use leads to negative side effects. At The Wellness Institute of Dallas, we provide solutions that target the source of your joint pain without resorting to drugs.

Dr. Rayner has experience helping patients manage all kinds of arthritis symptoms and knows which strategies work best for each condition. For example, manual chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy sessions improve your range of motion and reduce discomfort, while laser technology can be used to accelerate natural healing. Dr. Rayner will determine the best possible option for your individual case.

Reduce your arthritis symptoms

Arthritis symptoms may become debilitating when left untreated. Dr. Matthew Rayner understands the frustration of joint pain and can provide solutions to improve your health. Call The Wellness Institute of Dallas near Highland Park and University Park to learn about potential arthritis treatments and get started with a consultation. Start living life without pain.