When to See an Arthritis Doctor for Treatment
If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, it may be time to see an arthritis doctor for treatment. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Dr. Pedro Ylisastigui, MD, PA, at Primary Care IM, offers proper care tailored to your needs, providing effective arthritis management and treatment plans. For more information, Contact us today or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1150 Lee Blvd. #4 Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.


Table of Contents:
What are the common types of arthritis?
What causes arthritis?
When should I see a doctor for arthritis?
How can an arthritis doctor help manage my symptoms?
At Primary Care IM, we recognize the importance of early identification and management of arthritis. Understanding the common types of arthritis helps facilitate timely diagnosis and personalized treatment, improving the overall quality of life for our patients.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is typically seen in older adults. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Early identification and interventions, such as lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and pain management strategies, are key to slowing the progression of the disease. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in joint-friendly exercises are important aspects of managing osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Early detection through a thorough patient history and lab tests is essential for effective management. Once diagnosed, patients are often referred to specialists for further treatment.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is associated with the skin condition psoriasis and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Managing both the skin and joint symptoms is crucial for effective treatment. Routine screening for psoriatic arthritis is an important part of care for individuals with psoriasis, helping to detect and treat the condition early.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and pelvis. Early diagnosis is vital for preventing severe complications, and patients may need imaging and targeted therapies for optimal care. Ongoing pain management and strategies to maintain spinal mobility are key aspects of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis.
Gout
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, leading to intense pain and swelling. Often managed within primary care, treatment focuses on dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and medications to reduce uric acid levels and prevent future attacks. With proper care, gout can be managed effectively to improve quality of life.
Primary Care IM provides comprehensive care for different types of arthritis, empowering patients with knowledge and resources for better management and outcomes.
Arthritis is a term that refers to inflammation of the joints, and its causes can vary depending on the type of arthritis. The most common causes of arthritis include genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions.
Genetic Factors
Certain types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, tend to run in families. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as some individuals inherit a higher risk of developing arthritis due to the structure and function of their joints.
Aging
As people age, the cartilage in their joints naturally begins to wear down, leading to osteoarthritis. The loss of cartilage causes bones to rub together, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage. Similarly, lupus and psoriatic arthritis are also autoimmune disorders that cause joint inflammation.
Lifestyle Factors
Obesity and joint injuries are significant risk factors for developing arthritis. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the joints, particularly in the knees, while previous injuries can damage the joint and increase the likelihood of arthritis.
Understanding the underlying causes of arthritis is essential for effective treatment and management.
Contact us immediately if you experience a sudden onset of severe joint pain, especially if it’s accompanied by fever or chills. Pain that worsens abruptly or persists for several days despite self-care, noticeable redness, swelling, or warmth in or around the affected joint, difficulty moving or using the affected joint, or any loss of joint function or stability should be addressed promptly.
Schedule a consultation with our healthcare team if you have persistent joint pain lasting more than a couple of weeks that interferes with your daily activities, morning stiffness or limited range of motion, particularly after periods of inactivity, swelling or tenderness in multiple joints, fatigue, weakness, or weight loss associated with joint pain, or symptoms that do not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Systemic symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fever, or fatigue, alongside joint issues, may suggest inflammatory arthritis or other systemic conditions. If you have a family history of arthritis or autoimmune diseases, early consultation can help with preventive care and monitoring. Individuals with risk factors such as obesity or older age should be particularly vigilant in observing their symptoms.
If home remedies provide no relief, or if pain affects your sleep and overall well-being, our healthcare professionals are here to offer a thorough evaluation and tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
Managing arthritis involves a comprehensive and collaborative approach that addresses both the specific symptoms and the overall health of the patient. An arthritis doctor begins by conducting a thorough evaluation, which includes a detailed medical history and physical examination. Diagnostic tests, such as blood work or imaging, may be used to confirm the presence of arthritis and assess its impact on health. A primary care physician plays a vital role in coordinating care and referring patients to specialists when necessary, ensuring smooth communication between all healthcare providers.
The doctor works with the patient to create a personalized treatment plan aimed at managing arthritis symptoms while promoting overall health. This plan typically includes medications for pain and inflammation, lifestyle changes, and management of other related health conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes. Medication management involves prescribing appropriate treatments for arthritis, monitoring for interactions with other medications, and providing education on safe medication use.
Lifestyle changes are emphasized, with advice on maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and eating a balanced diet to support joint health. The doctor may also recommend physical therapy and exercises to enhance mobility and strength. Through pain management, ongoing monitoring, and education, the doctor offers continuous support to help patients manage their arthritis and maintain a high quality of life. For more information, Contact us today or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1150 Lee Blvd. #4 Lehigh Acres, FL 33936. We serve patients from Lehigh Acres FL, Fort Myers FL, Buckingham FL, Cypress Lake FL, Gateway FL, Cape Coral FL, Palmona Park FL, and Alva FL.


Additional Services You May Need
▸ Disease Management
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▸ Physicals
▸ Sports Physicals
▸ Ultrasound
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▸ Referrals
▸ Arthritis Specialist
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