Maitland Observer
More than 46 million adults in the U.S. report being diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Although often considered a disease affecting only the older population, close to 300,000 children under the age of 18 have some form of arthritis as well, which represents about one in every 250 kids.
In honor of May being designated as National Arthritis Month, we recently sat down with local fellowship trained joint specialist and orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Samuel S. Blick, M.D., of the Orlando Orthopaedic Center in Winter Park to answer some of the more common questions he hears regarding the joint disorder.
Q: How do I know if I have arthritis and it's not just something that will go away in a day or two?
A: Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which generally results in pain, swelling, stiff joints and, thus, limited movement. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, one of the most common being osteoarthritis, or a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage joints. Usually, it's diagnosed with X-rays.
Q: Besides being an inflammation, what else should I know about the disease?
A: More than 70 percent of individuals in North America affected by arthritis are over the age of 65, however it can affect people of all ages. Arthritis is more common in women than men at all ages and affects all races, ethnic groups and cultures. Genetics, injury and weight also play a role.
Q: What are some risk factors or behaviors I can avoid to keep it from getting worse?
A: Neither rheumatoid arthritis nor osteoarthritis can be completely prevented; you can reduce the risks by becoming physically active while avoiding impact exercise. Instead, focus on low resistance muscle strengthening. Weight loss and a healthier diet may help as well.
Q: Sometimes my arthritis pain is too much to handle. What are some things I can do relieve pain at home quickly?
A: The best remedy for at home arthritis pain relief should be to ice the joint, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol and get plenty of rest. You may also want to try gently massaging the affected area as well.
Q: If I wanted to get rid of the pain for good, what are my options? Does joint replacement work?
A: There is no complete cure for arthritis other than joint replacement at this time. In fact, all other arthritis treatments are temporary whereas success rate for total knee and hip replacement is about 95 percent.
In honor of May being designated as National Arthritis Month, we recently sat down with local fellowship trained joint specialist and orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Samuel S. Blick, M.D., of the Orlando Orthopaedic Center in Winter Park to answer some of the more common questions he hears regarding the joint disorder.
Q: How do I know if I have arthritis and it's not just something that will go away in a day or two?
A: Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which generally results in pain, swelling, stiff joints and, thus, limited movement. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, one of the most common being osteoarthritis, or a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage joints. Usually, it's diagnosed with X-rays.
Q: Besides being an inflammation, what else should I know about the disease?
A: More than 70 percent of individuals in North America affected by arthritis are over the age of 65, however it can affect people of all ages. Arthritis is more common in women than men at all ages and affects all races, ethnic groups and cultures. Genetics, injury and weight also play a role.
Q: What are some risk factors or behaviors I can avoid to keep it from getting worse?
A: Neither rheumatoid arthritis nor osteoarthritis can be completely prevented; you can reduce the risks by becoming physically active while avoiding impact exercise. Instead, focus on low resistance muscle strengthening. Weight loss and a healthier diet may help as well.
Q: Sometimes my arthritis pain is too much to handle. What are some things I can do relieve pain at home quickly?
A: The best remedy for at home arthritis pain relief should be to ice the joint, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol and get plenty of rest. You may also want to try gently massaging the affected area as well.
Q: If I wanted to get rid of the pain for good, what are my options? Does joint replacement work?
A: There is no complete cure for arthritis other than joint replacement at this time. In fact, all other arthritis treatments are temporary whereas success rate for total knee and hip replacement is about 95 percent.
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