What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, which can be accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. Arthritis has multiple causes and can be associated with many different illnesses.
Types and Symptoms Treated by Dr. Tatiana DeLaurentiis
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that is frequently called a degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is a major crippling disorder and perhaps the most serious form of arthritis. It is a complex, chronic inflammatory system of diseases, often affecting more than a dozen smaller joints during the course of the disease, frequently in a symmetrical pattern—both ankles, or the index fingers of both hands, for example.
- Gout (gouty arthritis): Gout is a condition caused by a buildup of uric acid—a normal byproduct of the diet—in the joints. A single big toe joint is commonly the affected area, since it is farthest from the heart, and therefore the coldest; attacks of gouty arthritis are extremely painful, perhaps more so than any other form of arthritis.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriasis is often thought of as a skin disorder, but it can affect the joints as well. On the skin, psoriasis appears as dry, scaly patches. Not all people with psoriasis of the skin will develop joint symptoms—about one in twenty people with psoriasis will develop associated arthritis.
- Traumatic arthritis: Traumatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that is caused by blunt, penetrating, or repeated trauma or from forced inappropriate motion of a joint or ligament. Injury to a joint, such as a bad sprain or fracture, can cause damage to the articular cartilage. This damage to the cartilage eventually leads to arthritic changes in the joint.
Arthritis Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed early is important to effective treatment of any form of arthritis. Dr. DeLaurentiis will take all the precautions of reviewing your medical history and performing a complete examination and testing to determine if you have arthritis.
When to Visit Dr. DeLaurentiis
Because arthritis can affect the structure and function of the feet, it is important to visit us if any of the following symptoms occur in the feet:
- Swelling in one or more joints
- Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint
- Redness or heat in a joint
- Limitation in motion of joint
- Early morning stiffness
- Skin changes, including rashes and growths
Specializing in the Treatment of Arthritis
Dr. Tatiana DeLaurentiis is a board-certified Podiatrist that specializes in the treatment of pain that comes along with over 100 forms of arthritis. The team at Westfield Family Podiatry in Union County, New Jersey offers state-of-the-art solutions that can slow the progression of arthritis
Proudly Serving NJ – Union County, Essex County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, & More!
Request an appointment with Dr. DeLaurentiis today to get the arthritis care you deserve.