Arthritis

As the nation’s #1 cause of disability, arthritis affects nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children. Arthritis is not a single disease. People of all ages, races, and sexes can suffer from arthritis. Understanding arthritis can help you manage it better and feel healthier. The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis of what’s causing your joint pain. Talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms. Many things can be done to preserve joint function, mobility, and quality of life. Learning about the disease and treatment options, making time for physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential. If you need help managing pain from an acute flare-up of osteoarthritis, gout, or other arthritic conditions, you can visit Apple Urgent Care. Call or book an appointment online, or visit the nearest office in Colton, Perris, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Hemet, San Bernardino, Coachella, or Indio, California, as a walk-in today. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic joint disease that causes inflammation in a joint’s soft tissues. Some types of arthritis can also cause damage to the tissues and bone, leading to joint deformities. Common arthritis symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and diminished range of motion in joints. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and may come and go. Some may stay about the same for years, but symptoms can also progress and get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, and difficulty performing daily activities and make walking and climbing stairs painful and grueling.

What are the types of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis is “wear and tear” arthritis called osteoarthritis, which commonly affects women and is often associated with aging. If you already have mild to moderate joint pain and stiffness, regular physical activity, hot and cold therapies, judicious use of over-the-counter pain relievers and assistive devices may help manage your symptoms. Apple Urgent Care can help diagnose these issues and help manage your symptoms before they result in acute flares and severe pain. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to mistakenly destroy healthy joint tissue. With autoimmune and inflammatory types of arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Slowing disease activity can help minimize or prevent permanent joint damage as well as reduce pain and improve function and quality of life. Apple Urgent Care can work with you to find the right medications and lifestyle choices to optimize your quality of life. 

Gout 

Gout develops when high levels of uric acid build up in your body. The acid can crystalize and form sharp edges that poke your joints, especially the joint of your big toes, and cause stiffness, swelling, and pain. 

When should I get medical attention for arthritis?

Getting medical attention for arthritis in the early stages can lower your risk for more serious complications.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Apple Urgent Care or visit as a walk-in if you experience arthritis-related joint symptoms like:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Limited range of motion
  

The providers complete a physical exam and may order X-rays or other imaging tests of your affected joint to identify the type of arthritis. You may also need blood work to confirm gout and other types of arthritis.

How is arthritis treated?

The Apple Urgent Care team offers a range of effective treatments to manage your arthritis symptoms. They can also slow the progression of arthritis to minimize your risk for joint deformities.

Your customized arthritis treatment plan may include:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Pain relievers
• Heat or ice therapy
• Physical therapy
  

If you have gout, you may need prescription medications to lower uric acid levels or block excess acid production.

The medical team may also suggest lifestyle strategies you can use to maintain a healthy weight and exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles that support your joints.

Call Apple Urgent Care or book an appointment online for an arthritis consultation. You can also walk in at the nearest office.