Arthritis isn’t a single ailment but rather a category of over 100 joint conditions and diseases. Osteoarthritis, a wear-and-tear disorder, is by far the most common form, with rheumatoid arthritis in a distant second place.
Nearly 60 million Americans have some form of arthritis, so it’s not surprising that they want to know if arthritis is reversible. The short answer is: No, most forms of the disease can’t be cured.
But lifestyle changes, medications, and symptom management can often slow the progression of your condition, providing you with pain-free living and the ability to continue an active life.
Our team at Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness in Richmond, Virginia, led by nurse practitioner Savitri Gopaul, FNP-BC, provides a variety of pain management protocols to keep you on your feet and ready to go.
Let’s look at how arthritis affects joints and how effective treatment extends your years without pain.
The diseases that fall into the arthritis category cause inflammation and, usually, deterioration of joint tissue. Most forms of arthritis are ongoing chronic conditions that must be managed to minimize their effects, including pain and the rate of deterioration.
Osteoarthritis typically starts with the deterioration of cartilage covering the ends of bones that meet in a joint. Cartilage provides a smooth and slippery cushion, preventing direct bone contact.
As a joint wears, loss of cartilage starts a cascade of deterioration. Bone spurs may form. Pieces of tissue may break off and float around the joint capsule. Synovial fluid within the capsule may lose volume, and the joint loses function and range of motion.
Without treatment, osteoarthritis progresses to the point where painful bone-on-bone contact begins. Daily activities become difficult because of pain and stiffness.
Though there’s promising research into stem cell therapy, currently there’s little evidence that arthritis damage to a joint can be reversed. But many forms of the disease are manageable, and the progression of the condition can often be slowed.
Much depends on the specific form of arthritis affecting you. For osteoarthritis, many patients find relief by engaging in low-impact moderate activities like walking and swimming.
Resting joints that are sore from arthritis is usually counterproductive as an ongoing strategy. Motion stimulates body repair mechanisms like circulation and tissue nourishment. Even when these aren’t enough to reverse arthritis damage, they can reduce inflammation and pain while restoring mobility.
At Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness, we offer a wide range of pain management options for arthritis, including joint injections, massage, and physical therapy. We can also assist you with lifestyle changes to further manage your condition.
Contact our Richmond, Virginia, office by phone or online to take control over your arthritis today.
