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Arthritis

xray of the handArthritis is broadly defined as an inflammation of joints. While there are more than a hundred different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of a condition often resulting in pain ranging from mild and sporadic to severe and chronic. Management of arthritis usually involves some type of physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments such as getting regular exercise and eating foods that naturally fight inflammation.

Causes

While there are many possible causes of arthritis, the most common reason for the condition is the normal wear and tear of cartilage, the firm, flexible tissue that connects your joints. A reduction in the amount of cartilage means that your joints are subjected to increased pressure and stress. Some forms of arthritis may occur at higher rates in families with a history of the condition.

Considered an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an attack on your immune system that affects soft tissue in your joints. Bone spurs can also form around the affected joint and contribute to pain. Affecting nearly 30 million Americans, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that can have multiple contributing factors, including:

  • Age-related wear
  • Excess weight
  • Genetic defects
  • Excessive stress on joints
  • Joint irregularities

Symptoms

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the symptoms commonly associated with all forms of arthritis. Range of motion and flexibility may also be affected as the arthritis progresses, although functioning can improve and some symptoms may lessen in severity over time with various pain management techniques. You may also experience noticeable swelling and redness around your joints.

Symptoms associated with RA can include a loss of appetite related to inflammation affecting digestion. Some people have symptoms that are more noticeable in the morning or when first waking up. RA may also cause fatigue or a slight fever. Signs and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis and similar forms of arthritis may include:

  • Pain aggravated with movement
  • Tenderness around joints
  • Joint stiffness that varies in intensity
  • Grating sensations when joints are functioning

Treatments

man is holding his hand in painAs part of your treatment for arthritis, you may undergo a functional capacity evaluation, a series of tests to determine how you function under various conditions. Your pain level will be monitored during such activities as sitting, standing, bending, and walking to identify trigger points and assess your overall ability to function to determine the approach to treatment most likely to be beneficial for you. Arthritis is often managed with a combination of treatments, including:

  • Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Located-specific injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Stress reduction techniques
  • Acupuncture, yoga, and other alternative therapies

There is no definitive “cure” for arthritis, especially with RA, although a focus on nutrition and wellness can certainly help manage symptoms for many people living with some form of the condition. Contact us today and seek treatment for arthritis as soon as symptoms begin to appear, even if it’s only mild discomfort. The sooner your arthritis is diagnosed and contributing factors are identified, the more you’re likely to benefit from treatment.

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Our Patient Reviews

Allied Pain & Spine Institute

5.0
Michelle T.

I fly in to see Dr. Petros from Southern California.  I wouldn't do so if he wasn't the best there is.  He is compassionate and has always treated me kindly. I can tell he is sincere in the way he talks to me and is diligently looking for solutions that work best with me and my chronic pain needs.  Very out of the box approach, which I appreciate these days!  I would truly recommend Dr. Petros to anyone looking for a Dr. that not only cares about you as a patient but has the confidence and skill set to get results! His office staff is friendly and caring too.  Allied Pain and Spine Institute is the Gold Standard in pain care in my humble opinion!! When I find a doctor that understands the issue and always goes above and beyond to help me, I do what I can to continue seeing them. I am so glad I found this office!!

Louise W.

Dr Petros is amazing!  When he uses a needle his aim is "right on".  He is also very personable, an altogether great guy.  I always find my visits to him to be very informative. I have had both sides of my degenerated back injected (epidural shots) with complete success.  He allows me to have no sedative, which is cool because his jokes and stories in the operating room are really good.  He greatly enjoys his work, and enjoys the difficult challenges of getting a needle into the right place in my back.  My arthritic knee is perhaps more straight-forward, but other doctors have failed to give me pain relief.  Dr Petros studies the structure with ultrasound before injecting it.  The result - instant relief! On my recent visit for a broken back (ski accident) the doctor and staff were very accommodating to help me make a dinner engagement shortly after my appointment.  This is definitely a five-star operation!

Ellie O.

Wow, wonderful doctor!!! I avoid all the doctors like the plague...seriously it makes my blood pressure go up when I have to go but I chose Dr. Vaidya. My friend referred him to me, he's simply the best... TOP NOTCH!!! He turned out to be a breath of fresh air. Dr. Vaidya really stands out head and shoulders above everyone else. I usually don't write reviews but he's so outstanding that I really wanted to do it for him. He's the most honest and caring doctor I have met.  He listens and gives you full attention and committed to find the best individual solution for you. He always goes out of his way to get you the most appropriate treatment and he will make it happen. He's very knowledgeable in his field. He's very professional, friendly, personable and definitely easy to talk to. His integrity is very valuable. He's one of the sharpest and most driven individuals you will ever meet.

Keith M.

Simply the best doctors and staff in the area. I've fought back and neck pain for over 30 years, and Dr. Petros and his team have kept me from the operating table and able to enjoy my life. I've had injections, acupuncture, as well as back braces. He listens to my concerns, cares very deeply for my pain and discomfort, and has successfully treated everything from stenosis, pinched nerves, herniated disks, and even helped me with the symptoms from shingles and lung disease. I couldn't be happier with the care he has given me over the years.

Kaitlin Z.

Dr. Vaidya has changed my life. I am in my late 20s with chronic pain and nothing had worked until I came here. All services here are wonderful and the staff is absolutely amazing. I can't recommend enough!!

Tracy B.

I have been a patient of Dr. Vaidya for a few years after not getting what I needed from other spine and pain doctors. I was looking for a doctor who would think outside the box and come up with some other ways to treat my growing amount of pain. Between Dr. Petros and Dr. Vaidya, they have brought me to a place where my pain is better managed. And let's just talk about bedside manners! I have never met doctors in the past 23 years of this back journey of mine that has as amazing bedside manners as these guys. I have cried and laughed with the team at Allied Spine. The way that I am always greeted and promptly cared for is bar none! The front office staff, and especially Nas, has been a God sent. I would never go anywhere else.

Justin P.

I am a new patient of DR Petros and my experience was great for my first two visits so far. He really takes time to listen to your issues and provides thorough answers and treatment options. The front desk staff are all very nice and respond in a timely manner to requests. Highly recommended all around!

Lisa A.

I have seen Dr. Vaidya for about 2 years. He is an amazing doctor.the attention and care you receive is well over 5 stars. He knows who I am by my face, he knows my health history with out looking in my chart, he remembers conversations we have had at previous appointments. He truly cares for his patients. I will be moving our of state, and will travel back here each month to see doctor Vaidya. I lost my insurance over a year ago and pay out of pocket to see the doctor, it is worth every penny to be treated with respect, as a person and with care. I love all the staff and feel like I am visiting family when I come in for my appointments.

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