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Up to 53 million American adults have arthritis, a group of diseases characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. At his practice in New Port Richey, Florida, John B. Fuller, MD, provides complete care for arthritis. Using healthy lifestyle changes and minimally invasive procedures, he can relieve the symptoms of arthritis and restore mobility. Call the office today to schedule arthritis treatment, or book your appointment online.
Arthritis Q&A
Is there more than one type of arthritis?
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but Dr. Fuller primarily focuses on the two most common:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative illness that causes cartilage –– a soft substance that cushions the joints –– to break down because of general wear-and-tear. Without enough cartilage to provide padding, your joints rub against each other, resulting in stiffness, swelling, and pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joint lining (synovium). Without treatment, the joints become swollen, painful, and difficult to move.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Arthritis symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling
- A feeling of warmth or heat in the joints
- Tenderness and sensitivity
Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your symptoms might come and go in waves called flare-ups.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon diagnose arthritis?
Dr. Fuller reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including what the pain feels like, where it occurs, and if it’s worse at certain times or during certain activities. He completes a physical exam, check the affected joints for redness and swelling, and assess your ability to move the joint.
Next, Dr. Fuller presses on your joints and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive areas. They also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI, to check for joint damage and/or problems with the surrounding tissues.
To better understand the condition, he may also order blood tests. Higher-than-average levels of some antibodies indicate chronic inflammation and arthritis.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon treat arthritis?
Dr. Fuller treats arthritis using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Physical therapy
- Minimally invasive joint replacement surgery
- Shoulder arthroplasty
- Elbow arthroplasty
- Wrist arthroscopy
Dr. Fuller typically recommends traditional treatments with proven track records, but he is happy to explain the pros and cons of alternative treatments if you’re interested.
Call the office of John B. Fuller, MD, today to explore arthritis treatment, or book your appointment online.