Arthritis Orthopedic Care at Maimonides
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. Orthopedic surgery for arthritis can help relieve these symptoms and improve joint function. There are many different types of orthopedic surgery, and the type that is right for you will depend on the severity of your arthritis and your overall health.
The Maimonides Bone and Joint Center offers a full range of orthopedic surgery services for patients with arthritis. We offer both inpatient and outpatient orthopedic surgery, and our team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
- One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for orthopedic surgery two years in a row (2022-2023)
- Recipient of Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Awards for two years in a row (2022-2023)
- Named among the top 5% in the nation for overall orthopedic services for two years in a row (2022-2023)
- Five-Star recipient for hip fracture and total knee replacement for 2023
To schedule an appointment, call 718.283.7400 today.
Overview of Arthritis
“Arthritis” means inflammation of the joints. Damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones causes this inflammation. When cartilage breaks down, it can no longer protect the bones from each other, and they begin to rub together. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
Typically, pain in the early stages is caused by inflammation of the cartilage. As the disease progresses, the bones may begin to rub together, causing damage to the cartilage and worsening pain. In some cases, arthritis can also lead to degeneration of the bones and joints, which can cause deformity, instability, and disability.
Arthritis is a multifactorial disease, which means that it can affect the joints, muscles, and other tissues of the body.
There are many different types of arthritis, and each type has its own set of symptoms. These include:
Osteoarthritis
Also called degenerative joint disease, this is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that protects the joints breaks down. This can happen due to normal wear and tear, or it may be caused by an injury. Osteoarthritis most often affects the hips, knees, and hands.
Bones can form bony growths called spurs. The joints may become swollen and painful, and they may feel stiff. Movement may be limited, and the joints may make cracking or grinding noises.
Osteoarthritis can limit a person’s ability to do everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and opening jars. In severe cases, it can make it difficult to perform basic self-care tasks, such as dressing and bathing.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This auto-immune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joints. This can also cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often come and go, and they are typically worse in the morning.
Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, elbows, and knees. It can also cause fatigue, fever, and weight loss. In severe cases, it can lead to deformity of the joints and disability.
Symmetry is one of the key features of rheumatoid arthritis. This means that if one joint is affected, the same joint on the other side of the body is often affected as well. For example, if the right wrist is affected, the left wrist is often affected as well.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
When an injury to a joint does not heal properly, it can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. This type of arthritis often develops months or years after the injury occurs. It most commonly affects the knees, but it can also affect the hips, hands, and other joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis
This type of arthritis occurs in people who have psoriasis, a condition that causes patches of scaly, red skin. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Back pain can also be a symptom.
Causes of Arthritis
There are many different causes of arthritis. In some cases, it may be due to a genetic predisposition. This means that certain types of arthritis run in families. In other cases, it may be caused by an injury or infection.
Excessive strain can also lead to arthritis. This may be due to repetitive motions, such as those often performed in sports or work.
Fractures and other joint injuries can also lead to arthritis. This is particularly likely if the injury does not heal properly.
Gout is a specific type of arthritis that is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints. It can often be a result of diet. Foods that are high in purines, such as red meat and seafood, can lead to gout.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of arthritis. However, common symptoms include swelling, pain, limitation of movement, and stiffness. Arthritis can also cause fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
Diagnosis
A physical exam, medical history, and X-rays are often used to diagnose arthritis. Blood tests may also be ordered to look for signs of inflammation. In some cases, CT scans and MRIs may be ordered to get a better look at the joints.
Treatment for Arthritis
Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms. These include medications, physical therapy, and surgery.
The initial conservative treatment for arthritis is typically pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. If these do not relieve the symptoms, a cortisone injection may be ordered. Rest and avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms can also help.
There are other treatment options, such as viscosupplementation and orthobiologic treatments, that can help.
Surgery is typically recommended if other treatments fail to relieve the symptoms. Different surgical options can include:
Synovectomy
This is performed when the synovial membrane, which produces the fluid that lubricates the joints, becomes inflamed, it can be removed through surgery.
Arthroplasty
During this surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint. Typically, it is performed in cases where there is extensive damage to the joint from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis.
Arthrodesis
This fusion surgery joins two bones together. It is often performed in the spine, but it can also be performed in other joints. This surgical option is typically only considered when other options have failed.
If you are suffering from arthritis, orthopedic surgery or other treatments may be an option for you.
Meet Our Team
Schedule an appointment by calling 718.283.7400 today.
6010 Bay Parkway
7th & 8th Floors
Brooklyn, NY 11204
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm
Telephone for all locations: 718-283-7400
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
6010 Bay Parkway
1st Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204
Telephone for all locations: 718-283-8962
26 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11242
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm
Telephone: 718-283-7400
1715 East 13th Street
4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm
Telephone: 718-258-2588
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
1715 East 13th Street
Suite 402
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Telephone: 718-258-1238
Orthopedic Services
948 48th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Telephone: 718-283-7431