Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center

Arthritis is often associated with aging, yet ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that’s usually diagnosed in people younger than 40. In fact, 80% of all patients develop their first symptoms before the age of 30. The team at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. has extensive experience diagnosing and treating ankylosing spondylitis, helping patients slow down the disease progression so they can continue to live an active life. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. Ankylosing Spondylitis Q & A. What is ankylosing spondylitis? Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects your spine, gradually causing significant or complete loss of flexibility. The condition typically begins in the sacroiliac joint, which is where the spine meets the hipbone. The inflammation spreads to joints in the spine. Over time, excess bone develops between vertebrae that fuses the bones together. Ankylosing spondylitis may develop in your hips and shoulders. The disease can also affect the joints between the spine and ribs. As a result, chest movement and breathing become difficult. What symptoms develop due to ankylosing spondylitis? The initial symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis typically start in early adulthood, but they can appear in older adults and children. The most common symptoms are low back and hip pain. You’ll also experience stiffness and limited motion that are worse after sleeping or prolonged inactivity and improve with exercise. As the spine fuses, you may develop spinal curvature. The team can differentiate the spinal stiffness of ankylosing spondylitis from spinal diseases related to wear-and-tear. The inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis can affect other areas of your body. About 40% of all patients develop acute episodes of eye inflammation (uveitis), causing eye pain and sensitivity to light. You’re also more likely to develop psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Although rare, ankylosing spondylitis may lead to complications in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and nervous system. How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? After confirming your diagnosis, the team Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. develops a customized management plan based on your symptoms and overall health, with the goal of relieving symptoms and slowing disease progression. Your treatment for ankylosing spondylitis may include: Exercise A structured program of exercise is vital to help stretch the spine, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility. Physical therapy Physical therapy can help you maintain a normal posture. Medications A variety of medications are available to help relieve your pain, reduce inflammation, and improve your mobility. One group of medications called anti-TNF agents may slow down or stop the progression of ankylosing spondylitis. While symptom severity and the rate of disease progression differ for each patient, everyone with ankylosing spondylitis benefits from getting early treatment. It’s especially important to start treatment before your spine begins to fuse. If you experience persistent low back or hip pain, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc.

Arthritis causes varying degrees of joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that can become so persistent that it's difficult to manage even simple, everyday tasks. If arthritis is affecting your life in this way, Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, can help. The expert rheumatologists and their support staff deliver superior diagnostic and treatment services for all forms of arthritis, helping you get back to enjoying your favorite activities. Call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. today to find out more. 610-375-4251 Arthritis Q & A What is arthritis? Arthritis comes in numerous forms — in excess of 100 altogether. All types of arthritis are similar in that they cause joint pain along with varying degrees of stiffness and swelling in your joints. There are two categories of arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis Inflammatory arthritis develops when chronic inflammation occurs in the tissues lining your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most well-known type of inflammatory arthritis. Noninflammatory arthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of noninflammatory arthritis. In fact, it's by far the most common type of arthritis overall. The name noninflammatory arthritis is slightly misleading because there's still inflammation in your joints — it just has a different cause. What causes arthritis? Arthritis can develop for numerous reasons. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which your body's defenses against infection mistake cells in your joint linings for harmful organisms. Your immune system attacks the cells, which destroys the protective surfaces in your joints and causes widespread inflammation. Psoriatic arthritis can affect you when you have an autoimmune skin condition called psoriasis, while infection can lead to septic arthritis. Gout, which tends to affect the feet, is due to a buildup of uric acid crystals in the toe joints. Osteoarthritis is most common because it's due to wear-and-tear and the effects of age. Over the years, the smooth articular cartilage covering your bones where they meet in your joints wears down, so the raw bones catch and rub. The reason why some people get arthritis and others don't isn't completely clear, but genetic and environmental factors could be at work. What treatments are available for arthritis? Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. emphasizes nonsurgical treatments. The methods the team uses depend on the type of arthritis you have and its severity, so it's important to get the right diagnosis. For example, some medications that are effective in treating inflammatory arthritis aren't much help for noninflammatory arthritis. Your age and other health issues also influence the design of your personalized program. Potential treatments for arthritis include: Physical therapy Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (oral or topical NSAIDs) Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) Biologics and small molecules. Oral, injections and infusion medications, Euflexxa® hyaluronic acid injections for lubrication steroidal injections (tendons, joints, and soft tissue) Making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a healthier diet, and getting regular exercise are also crucial to optimize your treatment. To get relief from your arthritis pain, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. today to book an appointment.

Whether you’re struggling with acute back pain after an injury or you have chronic back pain that makes it difficult to get through the day, you can overcome your symptoms and regain a more active lifestyle with treatment from the team at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. They offer exceptional medical care together with the convenience of diagnostic imaging and a state-of-the-art physical therapy clinic in the office. To get the help you need for back pain, call to book an appointment today. 610-375-4251 Back Pain Q & A What causes back pain? There are many causes of back pain and patients frequently have more than one cause. You can end up with back pain from simply engaging in everyday life. You may lift a heavy package, fall, or twist your back. You’re at risk of developing an overuse injury if you perform activities that repeatedly use the same back muscles. As you get older, back pain is often caused by conditions such as: Facet joint arthritis Herniated discs Spinal stenosis Slipped vertebrae Degenerative disc disease These conditions lead to tight muscles and pinched spinal nerves, a condition called radiculopathy. What symptoms develop in addition to back pain? Along with back pain and muscle cramps, chances are you have stiffness and limited movement. If you have a pinched nerve, you may also experience pain and tingling that radiates down your arms or legs, depending on where the problem lies in your spine. In severe cases, a pinched nerve can lead to numbness and muscle weakness in your arms, hands, legs, and feet. Radiculopathy can cause symptoms such as difficulty grasping objects with your hands or lifting your foot while walking. How is back pain diagnosed? Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. is fully equipped with the diagnostic imaging needed to fully evaluate your spine and diagnose your back pain: digital X-rays and musculoskeletal ultrasound. X-rays produce detailed images of the vertebrae, while musculoskeletal ultrasound provides images of your joints, muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. Musculoskeletal ultrasound reveals precise details showing early signs of arthritis and changes in soft tissues. How is back pain treated? Treatment for back pain is best accomplished with a multimodal approach that combines conservative therapies with physical therapy. Your provider at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and relax your muscles. Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. features an advanced physical therapy clinic. Their physical therapists work with the rheumatology team to develop an individualized treatment plan that strengthens and stretches the muscles, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and improves function. If your back pain persists despite intensive therapy, the team at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. works closely with pain management physicians who specialize in minimally invasive treatments that target the source of your pain. If you need to find relief from back pain, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. to book an appointment.

Gout attacks can appear out of nowhere, causing intense pain and swelling in a joint — usually the joint in your big toe. After an initial attack, your symptoms will improve, but it’s still important to have the joint examined by the team at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. Gout can continue to flare and potentially damage the joint. Some people require medications to prevent uric acid, the cause of gout, from building up. To receive excellent gout treatment, call the office in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. 610-375-4251 Gout Q & A What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints. You can develop gout in any joint, but uric acid most often accumulates in parts of your body that are slightly colder compared to your core temperature. The most common site is the joint at the base of your big toe. Gout also frequently develops in the midfoot, ankle, knee, and elbow joints. It is an extremely painful condition that can cause permanent joint damage. Uric acid is naturally produced in your body when it metabolizes substances called purines. When you eat purine-containing foods, uric acid can end up as a waste product in your body as the purines are digested and metabolized. Excess uric acid is usually eliminated in your urine. However, if you produce too much uric acid, or too much uric acid waste stays in your body, it accumulates in your bloodstream. When blood levels are high, uric acid ends up settling in a joint. What increases your risk for gout? Some factors are hereditary, but others can be controlled. The following factors can increase your risk for gout: Medications, including low-dose aspirin, diuretics, and nicotinic acid Medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure Eating too many high-purine foods, such as red meat, shellfish, and organ meats If gout runs in your family, you may also inherit a genetic tendency to develop the condition. What symptoms develop due to gout? Gout appears suddenly and most often at night while you sleep. The affected joint becomes red, swollen, and extremely painful. While your acute symptoms get better in about 10 days, you may continue to have joint discomfort for weeks. It’s common to develop recurrent gout attacks. Some people develop recurrent, painful flare-ups. The condition also worsens as uric acid crystals become permanently implanted in the joint. Over time, these uric acid deposits, called tophi, cause joint damage. How is gout treated? Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. may recommend limiting high-purine foods and drinking plenty of water to help flush out excess uric acid. The primary treatment for gout, however, includes lifestyle modifications (weight loss, diet) and sometimes medications. Some medications treat acute flare-ups by reducing pain, inflammation, and swelling. The team may also prescribe one of several medications that prevent future gout attacks by lowering uric acid production or increasing the amount eliminated from your body. For severe cases of gout, Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. provides KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) treatments. If you develop sudden pain and swelling in a joint, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. to schedule an appointment. In most cases, the team can see patients on the same day for a flare-up or offer treatment over the phone.

Infusion therapy is an effective process for delivering medications that's faster and more efficient than oral methods. If you have a painful rheumatic or autoimmune disease, the team at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, can help using infusion therapy. They have a fully equipped infusion suite on-site staffed by a specialist team. Call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. today to find out more about infusion therapy. 610-375-4251 Infusion Therapy Q & A What is infusion therapy? Infusion therapy is an increasingly popular treatment option for a wide variety of health problems. It involves having an intravenous (IV) line in your arm through which the appropriate medication drips gradually into your bloodstream. Some medications are more effective by this delivery method, especially medications that need to be dosed according to body weight. What conditions can infusion therapy treat? Infusion therapy can treat a wide range of autoimmune diseases and rheumatic conditions, such as: Rheumatoid arthritis Fibromyalgia Systemic lupus Myositis Multiple sclerosis Your provider at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. might suggest infusion therapy if you aren't finding other treatment methods, such as oral medication and physical therapy, successful. What happens at my infusion therapy appointment? When you arrive at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc., your provider checks you in and takes you to the comfortable eight-chair infusion suite. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the team has spaced out their chairs and introduced plexiglass dividers. The specially trained infusion nurses at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. perform your infusion therapy. Once you're seated comfortably, they sterilize your arm and insert a needle into your vein. The drip attaches to the needle via a cannula tube, and the medication flows into your arm. The nurses monitor patients closely, checking for reasons to delay infusions, inadequate treatment responses, and adverse reactions. In addition, there is always a rheumatologist on-site at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. to oversee patient care. You can make an appointment to see your doctor at the same time as your infusion therapy. If a blood draw is needed as part of your infusion therapy, Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. has an in-office lab drawing service. Most insurances cover this service. To find out more about infusion therapy and see whether you're a good candidate for this treatment, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. today.

An estimated 1.3 million American adults have rheumatoid arthritis, and 75% of them are women. As experts in rheumatoid arthritis, the team at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. has helped many patients find relief from the pain, keep their rheumatoid arthritis in remission, and prevent joint deformities. Early treatment improves your long-term outcome, so call the office in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, if you develop swollen, painful, and stiff joints. 610-375-4251 Rheumatoid Arthritis Q & A What is psoriatic arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis develops when your immune system attacks the synovium, which is the tissue that lines the inner surface of your joints. The synovium produces fluid that lubricates the joint and nourishes cartilage and bones. As the synovium becomes inflamed, you develop swelling and pain. Over time, ongoing inflammation destroys cartilage and bone inside the joint, resulting in permanent damage and joint deformity. What symptoms develop due to psoriatic arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs in the same joints on both sides of your body. The disease often begins in the small joints of your fingers, wrists, toes, and feet. It then progresses to affect other joints such as your knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips. Most patients go through cycles in which their symptoms flare up and then go into remission. You’ll experience symptoms such as: Swollen, painful small joints Limited joint movement Joint stiffness in the morning or after inactivity Fatigue Joint stiffness in the morning lasts at least 1-2 hours, but it usually improves with movement. Prolonged stiffness after sleeping is one of the earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis spreads beyond the joints to affect other parts of the body in about 40% of all patients. When this happens, you’ll develop additional symptoms, such as small lumps under your skin and dry eyes. You’re also at risk for serious complications in your lungs and cardiovascular system. How is psoriatic arthritis treated? Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. focuses on the early diagnosis and aggressive management of rheumatoid arthritis using a targeted approach. This involves medications to control inflammation and alter the autoimmune inflammatory cycle. There are many medications in this category. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids effectively reduce inflammation and relieve your pain. A group of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) also relieve symptoms and do much more — they can slow or stop progressive joint damage. Some medications are administered using an intravenous infusion. If you need this type of treatment, you can relax and get your treatment in their private infusion suite under the supervision of infusion-trained nurses and rheumatologists. In addition to medication, your treatment may include physical therapy so you can learn exercises to reduce pain, keep your joints flexible, and improve your range of motion. The team moves quickly through these options until the disease remission is confirmed. Early treatment for rheumatoid arthritis helps to improve your overall health and prevent disease progression. To schedule an appointment, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc.

Joint pain might be due to an injury, inflammation or it could be the result of gradual tissue breakdown in the joint. If you have persistent joint pain, Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, can help. The expert rheumatologists and their support staff deliver superior diagnostic and treatment services for joint pain that target the root cause of your discomfort. Call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. today to book an appointment. 610-375-4251 Joint Pain Q & A What causes joint pain? Joint pain can strike suddenly when you injure the structures in the joint, or progress slowly if there's tissue degeneration. These joint conditions arise from damage to the tendons, ligaments, bones, or capsules (the fibrous tissue surrounding a joint). Some of the more common causes of joint pain include: Arthritis Sprained ligaments Torn cartilage Bursitis Tendinitis Full or partial dislocations Osteoporosis Arthritis is the most likely cause of chronic joint pain. There are numerous forms of arthritis, but the most common ones include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Each pain generator requires an accurate diagnosis and a unique treatment plan. How is joint pain diagnosed? At Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc., the team uses their knowledge and experience combined with modern technologies to accurately diagnose the cause of your joint pain. During your initial consultation, your provider looks at your medical and family history, discusses your symptoms with you, and performs a thorough physical exam. This usually gives them a clear idea of the cause of your joint pain. They then need to confirm the cause, exclude other possibilities, and get a detailed look at the nature of the joint damage using diagnostic imaging technologies. Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. has both digital X-rays and musculoskeletal ultrasound on-site. The team also has on-site lab services to test your blood for infections and inflammatory conditions. The rheumatologists are experts in detecting inflammatory and noninflammatory causes and plan treatments accordingly. What types of medication can help with joint pain? Osteoarthritis often responds well to acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You can take these orally or use topical creams. The Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. team also uses duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) which has also been approved for the pain associated with degenerative arthritis. What other treatments are there for joint pain? Other treatments the Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. team uses for joint pain include: Physical therapy The practice has state-of-the-art physical therapy facilities on-site where you can receive tailored treatments to keep you mobile and increase muscle strength around your joints. Joint injections Euflexxa® hyaluronic acid injections help by lubricating the joints, while steroid injections reduce inflammation. For effective joint pain treatments without the need for surgery, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. today.

Your knees bear the extreme stress of repetitive movements while also supporting the weight of your body, a combination that explains why 25% of all adults suffer from chronic knee pain and why your knees are vulnerable to osteoarthritis. Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, provides comprehensive care for knee pain, including medical management, ultrasound-guided injections, and an advanced physical therapy clinic on-site. To schedule an appointment, call the office today. 610-375-4251 Knee Pain Q & A What causes knee pain? Knee pain often develops due to an acute sports injury, overuse injury, or age-related degenerative changes. Conditions that commonly result in knee pain include: Osteoarthritis Meniscus tears Bursitis Tendinitis Runner’s knee Ligament sprains and ruptures Injuries in your back, hip, and feet may also cause knee pain by increasing the stress on your knee. Will I have symptoms in addition to knee pain? The injuries and health conditions that cause knee pain often result in other symptoms. You may experience: Swelling Stiffness and limited movement Popping or clicking A locked knee joint Inability to straighten your knee Inability to put weight on your knee Depending on the severity of your underlying problem, it’s also common to develop joint instability. When that happens, the instability gets progressively worse if you don’t get treatment. How is knee pain diagnosed? In addition to evaluating your symptoms and performing a complete physical exam, you may need diagnostic imaging. Digital X-rays and musculoskeletal ultrasound are offered in the office, so you don’t need to go to another clinic. At Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc., all your care is available on-site. As a result, you can immediately learn the results of your diagnostic imaging and start treatment to relieve your pain. How is knee pain treated? If diagnostic imaging reveals a condition that needs surgical care, your provider at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. refers you to a specialist. Otherwise, your treatment begins with conservative care such as activity modification, temporary immobilization, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. has an advanced physical therapy clinic on-site, giving the team the ability to quickly develop a customized program to treat your knee pain. Physical therapy is especially important if you have osteoarthritis. Exercising and maintaining movement helps to reduce your pain and sustain an optimal range of motion as long as possible. Many patients also benefit from ultrasound-guided injections that allow your provider to precisely deliver medication into the knee joint. Your provider may recommend an injection of steroids to reduce inflammation. If you have osteoarthritis, your provider may inject a medication called Euflexxa®, which contains hyaluronic acid. As a lubricant and shock absorber naturally found in your joint, hyaluronic acid reduces pain and improves joint mobility. If you need help for knee pain, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. to schedule an appointment.

Polymyalgia rheumatica typically begins as rapidly developing pain and stiffness in the shoulder, neck, and/or hip on one side of your body, and then it progresses to affect the other side. The team at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, has extensive experience accurately diagnosing, treating, and providing ongoing monitoring for this unique condition. If your symptoms don’t improve or they get worse, call to schedule an appointment. 610-375-4251 Polymyalgia Rheumatica Q & A What is polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)? PMR is an inflammatory condition that causes pain, muscle aches, and stiffness that usually begin in the shoulder, neck, or hip on one side of your body. This condition primarily affects people 50 and older, often accompanied by a more serious condition called temporal arteritis. What symptoms occur if I have polymyalgia rheumatica? In most cases, the symptoms of PMR occur suddenly, seemingly overnight or within one day. At the longest, symptoms may gradually develop over a few weeks. You experience moderate to severe muscle pain and stiffness in one or more of the following areas: shoulders, neck, upper arms, lower back, thighs, and hips. Most patients find that their pain is worse in the morning or after they rest. At first, your pain may only affect one side of your body, but then it progresses to involve both sides. You may also experience symptoms such as: Low-grade fever Loss of appetite Weight loss Fatigue Joint swelling and pain Joint degeneration Muscle weakness Vague feeling of ill health (malaise) Your symptoms may go into remission and then suddenly flare up again, a cycle that can continue for many years. What is temporal arteritis? PMR often occurs together with temporal arteritis, a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing in the small arteries in your temples. Temporal arteritis may also involve other arteries, such as the aorta. The most common symptom of temporal arteritis is a throbbing, ongoing headache centered on one or both temples. You may also experience jaw pain, changes in your vision, and fatigue. Without prompt treatment, temporal arteritis can lead to vision loss, an aneurysm, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), and stroke. How is polymyalgia rheumatica treated? After reviewing your medical history and completing a physical exam, your provider at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. typically runs blood tests, especially tests to detect inflammation. Your provider starts your treatment with a trial of corticosteroids. If you have PMR, your response to corticosteroids should be quick. Some patients improve with one dose, while others take longer and need ongoing management. Once your symptoms improve, your provider slowly decreases the dose until they find the lowest dose that alleviates your pain. Then you continue to take that dose for a year or longer. If your symptoms relapse, your dose of corticosteroids can be adjusted. Additionally, your provider may add another medication such as methotrexate. If you develop pain and stiffness in your shoulders, neck, or hips, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center, Inc. to book an appointment.