Arthritis Specialist in Maui, Wailuku, HI

If you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis, then you should see an orthopedic doctor for a diagnosis. However, sometimes arthritis can be difficult to diagnose and may require visiting or seeing a specialist in the joint care field. Rheumatologists are specialists in arthritis and other diseases that involve bones, muscles, and joints, and are trained to treat all forms of arthritis, particularly those which may require complex treatment.

There are several common signs of inflammatory arthritis. These include:

• Pain, redness, and stiffness in the joints;
• Morning stiffness in or around the joints, usually lasting one hour or longer;
• Pain or stiffness that worsens with inactivity and improves with physical activity;
• A reduced range of motion;
• Occasionally, may include fever, weight loss, fatigue, and/or anemia.

In addition to the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, there are also symptoms to watch out for if you suspect that you may have osteoarthritis. These symptoms may include:

• Early symptoms are intermittent pain with strenuous activity; over time, the pain becomes present more often;
• Joint grinding;
• Morning stiffness or stiffness after a period of inactivity, that usually lasts for under thirty minutes.
• If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor about the possibility of an arthritis diagnosis.

There are five common forms of arthritis, which include: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and lupus. Typically, arthritis usually diagnosed between the ages of thirty and fifty years of age, although this can vary given the different types of arthritis. While arthritis is an illness that is usually associated with growing older, children can develop the disease. The most common form of arthritis in children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, which is also known as childhood arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

General wear and tear of the joints which comes with age is the usual trigger for arthritis. However, that can also vary depending on the form of arthritis that the patient has been diagnosed with. As well, those who suffer from arthritis will be affected by flares, which are periods of increased disease activity or worsening symptoms.

There is no singular cause of arthritis, however possible causes of arthritis may include: injury, which may lead to degenerative arthritis; an abnormal metabolism, which can lead to gout or pseudogout; genetic inheritance, which may lead to osteoarthritis; infections, such as Lyme disease may cause arthritis; or immune system dysfunction, like in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms of arthritis and are looking to manage your pain or suspect that you may have arthritis, then contact us here at NorthShore Orthopedics. We offer affordable treatment and diagnosis of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Visit us online or in person at one of our locations or call us to book an appointment or consultation now. We serve patients from Maui, Wailuku HI, Lahaina HI, Kahului HI, Kihei HI, Wailuku HI, Kula HI, Makawao HI, Paia HI, Wailea HI, Haiku HI and Waihee-Waiehu HI.