What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the chronic inflammation of the joints affecting one or multiple joints. While it is common in older ages, it can also affect young people. The joints most commonly affected are the knees, shoulders, neck, lower back, hips, ankles and elbows.
Questions About Arthritis
There are more than 80 causes of arthritis but the most common is osteoarthritis, and one of the most debilitating is rheumatoid arthritis resulting in significant joint erosion and destruction.
The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, resulting in decrease range of motion and occasional joint deformity.
Initial treatment may include ice/heat, medications such as anti-inflammatory, NSAIDS, weight reductions, and occasional injections in specific joints. Lumbar facet injections may be beneficial in appropriate cases.