Arthritis Specialist
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Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists
Damon Christian Kimes, MD
Interventional Pain Management & Weight Loss Physician located in Roswell, GA & Decatur, GA
If you regularly experience stiff, achy, or swollen joints, arthritis may be to blame. At Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists in Roswell, Georgia, interventional pain management expert Damon Kimes, MD, and the team specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, as well as bone and joint pain. If you dream of living a more active, pain-free life, make an appointment with the team today. Call the office or use the online booking tool to request an appointment.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe more than 100 different conditions that cause swelling and tenderness in one or more of your joints. The two main types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that causes your immune system to attack the synovium or lining of your joints. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, causes your cartilage–a soft cushion-like substance that pads your joints–to deteriorate. Ultimately, this causes your bones to rub up against one another, causing swelling, stiffness, and general discomfort.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The most common symptoms associated with arthritis are pain and swelling that affects one or multiple joints. Other telltale signs include:
- Stiffness
- Redness
- Aching
- Decreased range of motion
As your arthritis progresses, you might also have trouble performing routine tasks, such as getting out of bed in the morning or taking a walk.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
To diagnose arthritis, your Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists provider examines your joints for symptoms such as swelling, redness, or warmth. Your doctor also asks you to perform a series of in-office exercises to determine how well you can move your joints.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might also suggest laboratory or diagnostic imaging tests. For example, an analysis of your blood can help pinpoint the type of arthritis you have. X-rays and CT scans can also alert your doctor to cartilage loss, bone spurs, and bone damage.
What is the treatment for arthritis?
At Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists, the team takes an integrative approach to pain management. Often, simple lifestyle changes can significantly ease your symptoms. For example, your doctor might recommend eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole-grains. Foods that are high in refined sugars and carbohydrates are known to increase insulin levels and in turn, inflammation.
Your doctor may also recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers or investing in steroid injections to relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis. Physical therapy and at-home exercises can also help. Regularly stretching and staying physically active increases circulation and eases swelling and inflammation.
As you get older, your hormones also impact the health of your bones and joints. For example, if your hormones fall below therapeutic levels, it’s common to experience bone loss. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor might also recommend taking hormone replacement therapy, such as BioTE®. BioTE provides an all-natural way to strengthen bones and joints affected by arthritis.
If arthritis is negatively interfering with your quality of life, make an appointment at Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists today–call the office or use the online booking tool to begin.
