Arthritis

Arthritis can cause swelling, redness, and inflammation in your joints, and it affects millions of people. To find relief, visit Steven Gershon, M.D. at Gershon Pain Specialists. Serving the residents of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Dr. Gershon and his team provide compassionate care and innovative pain management treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a form of inflammation that can affect all the major joints of the body. Different forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. If you have arthritis, your joints become inflamed, which can cause swelling, redness, warmth, and pain.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis include fatigue, joint pain, joint swelling, and stiffness. It’s common to experience knee pain, hip pain, or shoulder pain as arthritis affects these joints. Pain and stiffness may be worse after an extended period of sitting or when you wake up in the morning. Arthritis affects each person differently. For some people, symptoms may develop quickly, while for others it may take several years. Other people can go some time without any pain or symptoms, and then suddenly experience a flare. Others may suffer from arthritis for a short time and then go into remission. Arthritis typically starts in middle age, but certain types of arthritis can affect children or the senior adults.

What causes arthritis?

The causes of arthritis depend on which type you have. For instance, osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which wear and tear on cartilage in your joints lead to damage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is caused by an immune response against the lining of your joint capsules. Arthritis symptoms may get worse with temperature changes, physical activity, or during times of stress.

How is arthritis treated?

Arthritis treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach for best results. This typically includes the use of physical and occupational therapy, injections to combat inflammation and swelling, topical pain creams, and oral medications. Newer medications are currently being developed that can help modify the course of the disease. Occasionally, surgery may be required to improve your quality of life. If you have arthritis, you might also benefit from lifestyle strategies that address inflammation and physical tension, like dietary changes, yoga, or stress reduction techniques. At Gershon Pain Specialists, the team uses a combination of modalities to ensure you have the best possible outcomes. Book your personalized consultation to discuss arthritis treatment by calling the office or scheduling online today.