Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can become worse with age.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is very common, affecting over 3 million people in the US each year, making it the most common chronic illness in the United States and the nation’s number one cause of disability. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, ranging from those related to wear and tear of cartilage to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Common symptoms of arthritis include:
Pain
Swelling
Reduced range of motion
Stiffness
How to Treat Arthritis
Treatment can help, but Arthritis cannot be cured. Medications, physical therapy or sometimes surgery can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. In some cases, the administration of a cortisone shot can help ease arthritis joint pain. Cortisone shots reduce the inflammation around your joint and can be a very effective form of pain relief if you have arthritis.
How to Manage Arthritis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline 5 key tips for managing Arthritis.
Learn arthritis management strategies. Self-management education strategies provide the skills and confidence to live well with arthritis on a day-to-day basis.
Be active. Research shows that physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability.
Watch your weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can limit disease progression and activity limitation.
See your doctor. Early diagnosis and professionally guided management are critical to maintaining a good quality of life.
Protect your joints. Avoiding injuries to joints can reduce the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
When should you visit urgent care for arthritis treatment?
Arthritis is one of the many ailments we can help alleviate, so if you or a family member has arthritis and needs help, check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you.
This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.
Illnesses and Symptoms We Treat
WellNow Urgent Care treats a variety of illnesses, infections and diseases along with their
associated symptoms. If you are feeling uncomfortable or unwell, our dedicated medical
team is prepared to deliver a personalized and tailored treatment plan to help you get
better, faster.
This list contains our most commonly treated illnesses and symptoms. If you are
experiencing an illness not listed or are unsure of the source of your discomfort, visit a
WellNow location near you or start a virtual care session.