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Arthritis Doctor Houston

According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 54.4 million people in the US suffer from doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Millions more struggle with the pain of arthritis but have not been diagnosed. For at least 43% of those who have been diagnosed, the disease limits their usual activities and reduces their quality of life. In the most severe cases, arthritis surgery may be required.

If you are suffering from severe arthritis that is reducing your ability to engage in activities and hobbies, contact an arthritis doctor in Houston, TX here at Orthopaedic Associates to schedule a consult at one of our 5 areas in Houston Orthopaedic Surgery Offices to discuss your symptoms and learn more about treatment options.

Arthritis Doctor in Houston

What Is Arthritis?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions, and they can affect people of all ages from all backgrounds. Arthritis is a joint-related condition marked by:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced range of motion

In severe and advanced conditions, arthritis can result in chronic pain that results in an inability to engage in specific activities, including things as basic as walking or climbing stairs. Permanent joint changes can result from severe arthritis, and the disease can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, and even the heart.

Arthritis falls into one of four categories:

  • Degenerative (osteoarthritis)
  • Inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, etc.)
  • Infectious (joint inflammation from a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection)
  • Metabolic (related to high levels of uric acid in the body)

Suffering from joint pain, stiffness, and loss of motion? We can help. Contact Orthopaedic Associates for a consultation.

Arthritis Specialist Houston

The first step in diagnosing arthritis (and determining the type and cause of the disease) is to visit an arthritis doctor at one of our Houston are Orthopaedic Offices and meet with a doctor. In many cases, patients may be referred to an arthritis specialist – a rheumatologist for suspected rheumatoid arthritis, or an orthopedist for degenerative arthritis. X-rays are often necessary, in addition to a discussion of symptoms and a physical examination. Blood tests may also be performed to help identify the specific type of arthritis and determine the right treatment option.

What Is Arthritis Surgery?

Arthritis surgery is a surgical procedure performed by Arthritis Specialist to reduce pain and inflammation within one or more joints in the body.

What Are the Types of Arthritis Surgery?

There are several different types of arthritis surgeries performed in our Hoston Orthopaedic Practice. Each surgery is used for a different situation. The most common arthritis surgery types include the following:

  • Arthroscopy: Well-suited to active people under 40 years of age, this procedure can reduce pain and improve your range of motion. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to repair damaged cartilage and ligaments or remove debris.
  • Joint Resurfacing: This procedure can help with arthritis in the knee and hip, and involves installing an implant, rather than replacing the entire joint.
  • Osteotomy: Osteotomies are performed to help redistribute a patient’s weight and stave off the need for a total joint replacement.
  • Synovectomy: This procedure removes some or all of the joint’s lining (synovium) in cases where it has overgrown and is causing damage to the joint or cartilage.
  • Fusion: In serious arthritis cases, pins, rods, and plates can be used to fuse a joint and allow the bone to grow together, locking the joint in place.
  • Total Joint Replacement: The damaged joint is completely replaced with an artificial implant. Note that minimally invasive total joint replacement surgery may be an option for some patients.
  • Joint Revision: Removal of a failed implant and replacement with a new one.

Contact one of our arthritis doctors in the Houston area Orthopaedic Surgeons to discuss your arthritis surgery options.

Complications from Arthritis Surgery

Some of the more common arthritis surgery complications include:

    • Incision infection
    • Infection around the prosthesis
    • Blood clotting
    • Nerve injury (rare)

Complications are extremely uncommon, and infection rates for arthroscopy are under 1%.

Is Arthritis Surgery Right for You?

Has arthritis limited your mobility and robbed you of your quality of life? Arthritis surgery may be an answer. Call or use our online scheduler to book an appointment with one of our Houston Area Orthopaedic Surgeons to schedule a consultation.