Understanding Arthritis: A Comprehensive Guide by Dr. Kenneth Bresky
In managing arthritis, Dr. Bresky emphasizes a personalized approach, considering each patient’s health profile, specific arthritis type, and symptom severity. This comprehensive care strategy ensures optimal management of arthritis, aligning with our commitment to treating the whole body, not just the condition. Dr. Bresky’s expertise in rheumatology and his multidisciplinary approach enable patients to receive tailored treatment plans that address both their physical symptoms and overall.
For further information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bresky, please contact us.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Overview: Gradual wearing down of joint cartilage and bone, often age-related.
- Causes: Aging, joint injuries, obesity, genetics.
- Management: Pain relief medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, joint injections, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments like weight management.
- Resource: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Overview: Chronic autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.
- Causes: Immune system attacks joint tissues.
- Management: DMARDs, biologic agents, NSAIDs, steroids, physical therapy.
- Resource: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes
Psoriatic Arthritis
- Overview: Linked to psoriasis, involving joint and skin inflammation.
- Causes: Autoimmune, common in individuals with psoriasis.
- Management: NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics, PD4 Oral Inhibitors like Orezla, lifestyle modifications.
- Resource: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis/guidelines
Gout
- Overview: Sudden, intense joint pain, often in the big toe.
- Causes: High uric acid levels in blood, crystallization in joints.
- Management: Reducing uric acid levels, anti-inflammatory drugs, dietary changes.
- Resource: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.html
Lupus
- Overview: Overview: Autoimmune disease affecting skin, joints, internal organs.
- Causes: Autoimmune reaction affecting body systems.
- Management: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs, DMARDs, lifestyle changes.
- Resource: https://www.lupus.org/
Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Overview: Chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints.
- Causes: Autoimmune disease affecting body systems.
- Management: NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics, physical therapy.
- Resource: https://spondylitis.org/
Infectious Arthritis
- Overview: Joint infection, potentially affecting any joint.
- Causes: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Management: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungal/antiviral medications, joint aspiration.
- Resource: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/infectious-arthritis
Reactive Arthritis
- Overview: Joint inflammation triggered by an infection elsewhere in the body.
- Causes: Response to bacterial infections.
- Management: Antibiotics for primary infection, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs.
- Resource: Reactive arthritis – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
Rheumatic diseases encompass a broad spectrum of conditions. Here are some of the main rheumatic conditions besides arthritis:
Fibromyalgia
- Overview: A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.
- Causes: Thought to involve genetic and environmental factors, and possibly disruptions in pain processing by the brain.
- Management: Includes medication for pain and symptom relief, physical therapy, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Resource: Fibromyalgia – Symptoms & causes
Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Overview: An autoimmune disorder known for its hallmark symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth, also affecting other parts of the body.
- Causes: The immune system attacks glands that produce moisture. Genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
- Management: Symptomatic treatment for dryness, pain relief, and sometimes immunosuppressive medications.
- Resource: Sjögren’s Foundation
Scleroderma
- Overview: A group of rare diseases causing skin and connective tissue to harden and tighten.
- Causes: Overproduction and accumulation of collagen in body tissues. The exact cause is unknown.
- Management: Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and can include medications to improve blood flow, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation.
- Resource: National Scleroderma Foundation
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Overview: An inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness, primarily in the shoulders and hips.
- Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to involve an inflammatory response. It typically affects older adults.
- Management: Usually treated with low doses of corticosteroids. Physical therapy can also help.
- Resource: Polymyalgia rheumatica – Symptoms & causes
Giant Cell Arteritis
- Overview: An inflammatory disease of blood vessels, most commonly affecting arteries in the head and leading to symptoms like headaches and vision problems.
- Causes: Unknown, but may involve abnormal immune responses. Risk increases with age.
- Management: Prompt treatment with corticosteroids is critical to prevent complications like vision loss.
- Resource: Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Overview: A form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation of the spinal joints and leading to chronic pain and stiffness.
- Causes: Genetic factors are involved, particularly the HLA-B27 gene.
- Management: Treatment includes NSAIDs, biologic medications, and physical therapy.
- Resource: https://spondylitis.org/
Vasculitis
- Overview: A general term for a group of rare diseases that involve inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Causes: Causes vary by type of vasculitis and may include immune system reactions, infections, or medications.
- Management: Often treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.
- Resource: https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/
For anyone experiencing symptoms related to these conditions, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, like a rheumatologist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Dr. Kenneth Bresky’s practice, with its focus on holistic and personalized care, can offer expert guidance and management for these complex rheumatic conditions.
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