Arthritis

When you have arthritis pain and stiffness, you might end up having trouble doing simple movements and performing daily tasks, such as walking or holding objects in your hand. Although arthritis is a lifelong condition, there are ways to ease your symptoms. At the practice of David Ramin, M.D., Dr. Ramin helps men and women in Beverly Hills, California, find relief from arthritis pain and stiffness. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request an appointment online.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis affects your joints, so you’re likely to have aches and pains in one or more of these parts of your body. You might also have a stiffness that decreases your range of motion. In fact, your affected joints might end up being so stiff that you have trouble moving them. When you have arthritis, your joints might also become swollen and red. If you have a severe case of arthritis, your affected joints might become twisted.

What causes osteoarthritis?

If you have osteoarthritis, which is the more common type of arthritis, the cartilage on the ends of your joint bones wears away. That causes your bones to rub together, which can create painful bone spurs. You can develop osteoarthritis gradually over many years, but your symptoms might become worse if you injure your joints. Dr. Ramin evaluates your condition and lets you know how severe it is, so you can get the treatment you need for pain relief.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks the synovial membrane in your joints. These attacks make this membrane swell up and become inflamed. If you have a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system might cause enough damage to wear away your bones and cartilage. Dr. Ramin conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if you have this type of arthritis and how advanced it is.

Am I at risk of arthritis?

You have a higher risk of arthritis if you have one or more of the following risk factors:

• Family history of arthritis
• Older age (your risk of arthritis increases as you age)
• Joint injuries
• Excess weight that puts more pressure on your joints

How can I manage arthritis symptoms?

Dr. Ramin helps you come up with a plan for managing your arthritis symptoms based on how severe they are and your daily routine. Your plan might include taking medications that reduce inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and doing physical therapy exercises that keep your joints more flexible. 

Dr. Ramin might also recommend losing excess weight, putting ice or heat on sore joints, and using a cane or other assistive device to help you move around and do routine tasks with greater ease.

If you need treatment for arthritis, call David Ramin, M.D., or schedule an appointment online.